Anne of Austria, 1601-1666, Wife of King Louis XIII of France 1615 [obverse]

1642

Jean Darmand, called Lorfelin

Associated Names
Jean Darmand, called Lorfelin

Artist, French, c. 1600 - 1669

The sculpture is a profile representation of a historical female figure, depicted in relief on one side of a circular medal or medallion. She has intricate hairstyles, with elaborate curls and a decorative band around the top of her head. The sculpture is crafted from a material that appears to be bronze or a similar metal, characterized by its brownish hue and metallic sheen. The medallion includes detailed engravings enhancing the subject's clothing, which features ornate patterns and textures resembling lace or embroidery. Inscriptions in a circular manner along the edge of the medal provide context to the figure, with "ANNA.AUSTRIACA.FRANC.ET.NAVAR.REGINA" clearly visible. The piece has a small, circular hole at the top.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//With loop

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (height with suspension loop): 5.95 cm (2 5/16 in.)
    overall (diameter without loop): 5.16 cm (2 1/16 in.)
    gross weight: 21.49 gr (0.047 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1170.a

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a medallion or coin with a decorative design. The medallion features an intricate design that includes a landscape of flowers at the bottom, with an ornate crown centered in the sky above, encircled by radiant beams of light and surrounded by clouds and stars. An inscription runs along the outer edge, separated by a beaded border, reading "NON EST MORTALE QUOD OPTO." The medallion is made from a metallic material, showing a patina that suggests age and wear. The presence of a circular hole at the top indicates this medallion may have been intended to be hung or worn as a decorative or symbolic item. The composition is symmetrically balanced with attention to detail, contributing to the overall elegance and narrative of the artifact.

Stars and Clouds Encircling a Crown [reverse]

Jean Darmand, called Lorfelin

1642

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

1967

  • Hill, George Francis, and Graham Pollard. Renaissance Medals from the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art. London, 1967: no. 575.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 209, no. 15.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 659, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: ANNA AVSTRIACA FRANC[iae] ET NAVAR[ae] REGINA; lower left on truncation: LORFELIN F[ecit]

Wikidata ID

Q63851740

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