Ceres and Annona [reverse]

mid 16th century

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

This is an image of an ancient coin. The coin features engravings depicting a standing figure handing a cornucopia to a seated figure, with various classical symbols and designs around them. The inscriptions read "ANNONA AVGUSTI CERES." The seated figure holds a long staff or spear. The letters "SC" are inscribed at the bottom. The coin has a golden hue, indicating it may be made of or plated with materials like bronze or brass. The artwork shows intricate detail and craftsmanship.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.55 cm (1 3/8 in.)
    gross weight: 24.07 gr (0.053 lb.)
    axis: 7:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.996.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicted on the coin is a profile of a male figure, identifiable by the text "NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P" inscribed around the edge. The figure is shown with a distinctive hairstyle consisting of curled locks, a short beard, and a laurel wreath adorning his head. The color of the sculpture is predominantly a rich golden hue. The coin is round with a textured rim, and the relief of the sculpture is sharply defined against the background.

Nero, A.D. 37-68, Roman Emperor A.D. 54 [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

Exhibition History

1983

  • Raphael and the Ruins of Rome, Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, 1983-1984, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 459, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES; across bottom: S[enatus] C[onsulto]

Wikidata ID

Q63851645

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