Phoenix on a Burning Pyre [reverse]

probably c. 1500

Style of Giancristoforo Romano

Associated Names
Giancristoforo Romano

Artist, Mantuan, c. 1465 - 1512

The sculpture depicted on the metal is of a bird. The bird is perched with its wings slightly spread and head elegantly turned. Flame-like patterns are visible beneath the bird. The sculpture is made of a bronze-colored metal and is surrounded by an inscription. The worn texture of the metal suggests age and endurance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.56 cm (1 3/8 in.)
    gross weight: 23.78 gr (0.052 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1988.30.5.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture features a relief of a woman's side profile on a round surface, resembling a coin or medallion. The woman wears a headpiece covering her hair, styled in waves, and a string of beads around her neck. The material appears to be bronze or brass with a warm, golden-brown hue and a slightly weathered texture. Inscriptions encircle the profile portrait, giving it the appearance of a traditional coin with lettering on the face. The facial features and attire are detailed, adding a dimensional quality, while the finish suggests aged metalwork.

F. Francina, lived late fifteenth century [obverse]

Giancristoforo Romano

1500

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Nussbaum, Zurich; purchased 1934 by J.W. Frederiks [1889-1962], The Hague; (sale, Sotheby's, London, 23-24 May 1988, 1st day, no. 14); purchased by (Cyril Humphris, London) for NGA.

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. 125, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: .IGNIS.OMNIA VORAT.IPSAM RECREAT.

Wikidata ID

Q63860698

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