Martyrdom of Saint Agatha

late 15th/early 16th century

Probably Lombard 15th/16th Century

Associated Names
Lombard 15th Century

Artist

Lombard 16th Century

Artist

The image shows a roundel sculpture featuring a human figure at its center. The figure is seated with an elaborate headdress and raised arms, potentially holding an object above their head. The sculpture is in relief with detailed facial features and clothing. It is primarily gold with accents of red and black, likely from gilding and painted embellishments. The material seems to be a metal, possibly bronze or copper alloy, seen from the oxidized rim and dark patina underneath. The roundel has a raised edge framing the relief figure. It appears as a small circular ornament or medallion, possibly for personal adornment or decoration.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    Nielloed silver with gilded ground

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    diameter (without border): 2.7 cm (1 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.128

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Trivulzio Collection, Milan, by 1844.[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, 2021:226.
[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: 213, 226, 266, 296, 303, no. 50, pl. X.

Wikidata ID

Q63854464

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