Ferdinand I, 1503-1564, Archduke of Austria 1519, Holy Roman Emperor 1556, and Anne of Hungary, 1503-1547, His Wife 1521 [obverse]

1522/1523

Austrian 16th Century

Associated Names
This is a photograph of a bronze medallion featuring two busts in profile. The medallion displays detailed engravings of two figures adorned with elaborate garments and hairstyles. The edge of the medallion is inscribed with Latin text circling the image. The medallion reflects light, highlighting the embossed figures' profiles, with each figure gazing directly ahead.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.32 cm (2 1/8 in.)
    gross weight: 43.52 gr (0.096 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1288.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round, flat disc with a central monogram "FA" surrounded by a wreath design of stylized links and geometric patterns. Additional intricate designs extend outward from the center. The sculpture appears to be made of metal with a bronze-like color, featuring embossed elements with varying textures.

Monogram FA Circled by the Collar of the Golden Fleece [reverse]

Austrian 16th Century

1522


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. 680, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: FERD ARCH AVST ET ANNE HVG: REG COIVGV / EFFIGIES AETA: VTRIVS QVE ANNO XX; across center: MDXX / III

Wikidata ID

Q63854405

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