Cavalry Charge [reverse]

1540s

Florentine 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture is a round medallion with a raised relief design depicting multiple figures on horseback in what seems to be a battle or a hunt. Flags are being waved and weapons are raised, with some figures on the ground in motion. The bronze medallion has an aged patina, highlighting the textured details. There is a small hole at the top for suspension or mounting. The artwork captures the intensity and motion of the figures in high relief.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 9.97 cm (3 15/16 in.)
    gross weight: 332.75 gr (0.734 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1325.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion with a relief of a man's bust. The inscription reads "IOAN NES MEDICES." The man is depicted in period attire with a high collar and chain. The medallion is a dark copper or bronze color. The man's hair is short and detailed, with precise facial features. There is a hole at the top for hanging. The relief work and detailing demonstrate high skill in craftsmanship.

Giovanni de' Medici delle Bande Nere, 1498-1526 [obverse]

Florentine 16th Century

1540


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: 1:no. 359, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63854587

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