Victory [reverse]

1552

Etienne Delaune

Associated Names
Etienne Delaune

Artist, French, 1518/1519 - 1583

This is a photograph of an old coin. The coin features an engraving of a seated figure holding a branch with leaves or buds. Around the edge of the coin are inscriptions in a classical typeface, and the date "1552" is visible. The surface of the coin shows signs of age, with scratches and wear. The engraving is detailed, with emphasis on the flowing lines of the figure's draped clothing and the texture of the branch. The background is dark, highlighting the metallic sheen of the coin and drawing attention to its intricate design.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 2.02 cm (13/16 in.)
    gross weight: 2.86 gr (0.006 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1136.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the coin is a profile portrait of a bearded man facing right. The coin has a metallic silvery sheen. The man's facial features, hair, and beard are rendered in detailed, raised relief. Around the outer edge of the coin, there are inscriptions in Latin. The craftsmanship is intricate, with significant attention to detail in the depiction of the human figure against the polished, reflective surface of the metal.

Henri II, 1519-1559, King of France 1547 [obverse]

Etienne Delaune

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: 2:no. 625, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: SIC FAMA VIRESCIT 1552 E; lower right: S

Wikidata ID

Q63851481

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