Aurora Riding through the Heavens [reverse]

1552

Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

Associated Names
Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

Artist, Milanese, 1515/1519 - 1589

The sculpture depicted on this round object features a scene with a winged horse and a chariot rider prominently. The winged horse is mid-gallop, showcasing its powerful limbs and wings spread as if in flight. The rider is captured with flowing garments and is holding what appears to be a staff or torch, indicating movement. Surrounding the central figures are intricate clouds and elements that suggest a sky or celestial scene. The sculpture is colored in a rich bronze, indicative of metal, giving the object an antique appearance. A raised, beaded border encircles the rim, adding to the ornate detail, and text in a classical font girds the top edge.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16


Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.93 cm (2 3/4 in.)
    gross weight: 97.64 gr (0.215 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1031.b

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a bronze medallion with a profile image of a woman with an elaborate hairstyle, detailed clothing, and jewelry. There is an inscription around the edge with punctuating dots. The medallion shows intricate artistry and craftsmanship, capturing delicate features and adornments with precision.

Ippolita Gonzaga, 1535-1563, Daughter of Ferdinando [obverse]

Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

1552


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Charles Armand Signol [d. 1875], Paris; (his estate sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 1-3 April 1878, 3rd day, no. 214); 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. 503, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: VIRTVTIS FORMAEQ[ue] PRAEVIA

Wikidata ID

Q63851720

You may be interested in

Loading Results