Saint Augustine

late 15th/early 16th century

Probably Lombard 15th/16th Century

Associated Names
Lombard 15th Century

Artist

Lombard 16th Century

Artist

The roundel sculpture features an image of a robed figure with a halo around their head. The figure is seated with one arm extended, possibly holding or gesturing towards a sacred text or scroll with inscriptions. The base is dark, possibly bronze or metal, with engraved and inlaid details in a lighter gold or brass tone. The sculpture is designed within a circular frame, suggesting it might be intended as a medallion or plaque. The details include intricate etching for garment folds and facial features, giving the impression of an aged, classical style emblem commonly seen in historical religious iconography.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    nielloed silver with gilded ground

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    diameter (without border): 4.8 cm (1 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.124

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,2021:201.
[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: 112-133, 198, 201,264, 265, 295, 299, 303, no. 20, pl. IX, VII.

Inscriptions

on banderole: S° / AGVSTIN[VS]

Wikidata ID

Q63854460

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