Memento Mori [reverse]

1571

Jacques Jonghelinck

Associated Names
Jacques Jonghelinck

Medalist, Flemish, 1530 - 1606

This is a photograph of a decorative medallion or coin. The medallion features a central table with ornate legs and a surface supporting several symbolic objects. On the table is an hourglass, a candle in a holder, and an open book with the text "DEO OPtIMO MAX". Surrounding the main imagery is a border of beads and Latin text that reads "VITA MORTA LIUM VIGILIA." Below the table, a date of "1871" is inscribed. The entire piece has an aged, bronze-like appearance. The craftsmanship illustrates attention to detail and legacy.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4 cm (1 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 20.39 gr (0.045 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1992.55.11.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a relief portrait on a coin, featuring a man in profile facing right. He appears to be an older man with curly hair and a beard, wearing textured clothing. An inscription around his head reads "VIGLIUS ZVICHEMUS AB AYTA LV." The coin, likely bronze, has a brown color with highlights and shadows. The relief design and lettering are finely carved, resembling historical medallions. The coin's surface shows signs of wear, adding to its historical look.

Viglius van Aytta of Zuichem, 1507-1577, Lawyer and Humanist [obverse]

Jacques Jonghelinck

1571

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1992 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 773, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: VITA MORTALIVM VIGILIA; on left page of book: DE / VS; on right page of book: OP[timus] \ MA[ximus]; across bottom on tablet: 1571

Wikidata ID

Q63860885

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