Racing Quadriga [reverse]

mid 16th century

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

The image features a sculpture on a round, coin-like object with a scene depicting four horses and a charioteer. The horses are in motion, pulling the chariot as the charioteer sits holding the reins. Above this scene is a winged figure in flight. The sculpture is bronze and shows intricate details creating depth and dimensionality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.82 cm (1 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 32.41 gr (0.071 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.993.b

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a detailed profile of a figure with flowing, intricately carved hair, adorned with a crown or headband. The craftsmanship highlights the texture of the hair and the features of the face, displaying a high level of detail and artistry typical of ancient coinage. Surrounding the face, the edge of the coin is embellished with a beaded border, and subtle decorative leaf motifs are present. The material appears to be bronze or a similar alloy, indicative of historical minting techniques.

Head of Arethusa [obverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

1525


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his heirs; purchased with the entire Dreyfus collection 9 July 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London, New York, and Paris); sold 31 January 1944 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[1] gift 1957 to NGA.
[1] The Duveen Brothers Records document the firm’s sixteen year pursuit and eventual acquisition of the Dreyfus collection, which included paintings, sculptures, small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes. Bequeathed as part of his estate to Dreyfus’ widow and five children (a son and four daughters), who had differing opinions about its disposition, the collection was not sold until after his widow’s death in April 1929. Duveen did not wish to separate Dreyfus’ collection of small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes, and it was sold intact to the Kress Foundation for a price that was met by installment payments every three months. (Duveen Brothers Records, accession number 960015, Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles: reel 301, box 446, folders 3 and 4; reel 302, box 447, folders 1-6; reel 303, box 448, folders 1 and 2; reel 330, box 475, folder 4.) See also George Francis Hill’s discussion "A Note on Pedigrees" in his catalogue, The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Renaissance Medals, Oxford, 1931: xii, which was commissioned by Duveen Brothers.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 456, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63851634

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