Saint Ambrose

late 15th/early 16th century

Probably Lombard 15th/16th Century

Associated Names
Lombard 15th Century

Artist

Lombard 16th Century

Artist

This is a photograph of an engraved circular medallion or coin. The engraving depicts a religious figure wearing a mitre and robes, holding a crozier in one hand and a stylized flower or staff in the other. The figure stands in front of a scenic background that includes architectural elements like a tower or church. The scene is encircled by a fine metallic border. The craftsmanship involves intricate line work and detailed texture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    nielloed silver with gilded ground

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    diameter (wihout border): 6.53 cm (2 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.116

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Trivulzio Collection, Milan, by 1844 until after 1927.[1] (Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, 1878-1955, Rome and Florence);[2] purchased 26 June 1935 by Samuel H. Kress (1863-1955), New York; gift 27 September 1950 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[3] gift 1961 to NGA.
[1] Laura Aldovini, I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo, Milan, 2021: 199.
[2] The bill of sale included sculptures, maiolicas, furniture, antique velvets, paintings, and enamels, for a total of one hundred objects. Copy in NGA curatorial files. See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, (https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/acquisitions/ACQ143).
[3] An affidavit of 21 August 1956 by Herbert L. Spencer, executive director, Samuel H. Kress Foundation, states the Trivulzio collection of nielli and enamels were given by Samuel H. Kress to the Foundation on 27 September 1950; original in National Gallery of Art Archives. Secretary and General Counsel Records – Major Donor Files; copy in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1874

  • probably Esposizione storica dell’arte industriale, Salone dei Giardini di Porta Venezia, Milan, 1874, no. 47 or no. 49.

Bibliography

2021

  • Aldovini, Laura. I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo. Milan, 2021: 17, repro., 112-113, 118, 198, 199-200, 264-265, 299, 303, no.18, pl. VII-VIII.

Wikidata ID

Q63854452

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