Virtue Crowning an Ox [reverse]

1552/1558

Alessandro Vittoria

Associated Names
Alessandro Vittoria

Sculptor, Venetian, 1525 - 1608

The sculpture on the round surface depicts a scene with an individual and two oxen working, possibly plowing a field. Above them is a winged figure and rays emanating from the sun. The surface is etched with the text "VIRTUTE PARTA DEO ET LABORE." The sculpture is made of a material resembling bronze, with a weathered appearance. The detailed texture and carvings provide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image against the flat background. The outer rim features an ornate design.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16


Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.45 cm (2 1/8 in.)
    gross weight: 76.84 gr (0.169 lb.)
    axis: 11:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1094.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a relief sculpture of a man in profile, facing right. The figure is identified as "THOMAS PHILOLOGVS RAVENNAS" in an inscription encircling the image. The sculpture is cast on a circular, bronze-colored medal. The man has a textured beard and curly hair. Lines and shading provide texture and depth to his face and upper torso. The artwork resembles a classical medal or coin design, focusing on the detailed portrayal of the man's features against a flat background.

Tommaso Rangone, 1493-1577, Physician of Ravenna [obverse]

Alessandro Vittoria

1552


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. 477, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: VIRTVTE PARTA DEO ET LABORE

Wikidata ID

Q63850182

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