Double-headed Crowned Eagle on the Pillars of Hercules [reverse]

1542

Ludwig Neufahrer

Associated Names
Ludwig Neufahrer

Artist, Austrian, c. 1500 - 1563

This is a photograph of a coin. The coin features a central image of an eagle with its wings spread, standing atop a central emblem surrounded by detailed engravings. At the eagle's chest, there appears to be a shield or emblem. Beneath the eagle, there are additional sculpted figures or symbols flanked by columns and ribbon-like elements. The coin's edge is adorned with inscribed text and a textured, beaded border that encapsulates the design. The surface of the coin shows signs of wear.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pewter//Struck?

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.13 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 19.58 gr (0.043 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1200.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicts a coin featuring the profile portrait of a bearded man wearing a cap. The man appears in mid-relief, showcasing his facial features such as his nose, beard, and expression. The coin is made of metallic material, likely bronze, with a dull, tarnished silver hue. The surface of the coin is detailed and textured, with engravings encircling the figure that may include text. The relief of the coin creates a dimensional appearance against the flat background.

Charles V, 1500-1558, King of Spain 1516-1556, Holy Roman Emperor 1519 [obverse]

Ludwig Neufahrer

1542


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. 731, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: TVLIT AVRIFERO ROMVLA SCEPTRA TAGO ANNO 1542 LV NE; across center on scroll: PLVS VLTRA

Wikidata ID

Q63854722

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