Coat of Arms [reverse]

1536

Peter Dell the Elder

Associated Names
Peter Dell the Elder

Artist, German, c. 1490 - 1552

The sculpture is a circular medallion or seal with a heraldic design. It features a unicorn's head with a flowing mane, emerging from a helmet and surrounded by intricate floral patterns. Below the unicorn, there is a shield divided horizontally by a wavy line. The sculpture is crafted from a material resembling bronze, with engravings encircling the outer edge.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lead

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 11.16 cm (4 3/8 in.)
    gross weight: 451.8 gr (0.996 lb.)
    axis: 11:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1308.b

Associated Artworks

The relief medallion features a man in profile wearing a brimmed hat, ornate clothing, and textured robe with detailed patterns. The man has his hands clasped in front, displaying rings on his fingers. The circular medallion is made of a material resembling bronze with a warm, brown tone. An inscription surrounds the portrait on the edge of the medallion, enhancing its classical design. The sculpture resembles a traditional medal or coin, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and historical style.

Willibald von Redwitz, 1493-1544, Canon of Bamberg [obverse]

Peter Dell the Elder

1536


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. 716, repro.

Inscriptions

BEI REGIERVNG DES HOHWIRDIGEN FVRSTEN VN [ ]H H WEIGANDEN BISCHOVE ZV BANB'G DES GESLEHTS AVCH REDWI3 A 1536

Wikidata ID

Q63854780

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