Mars Battling the Constellation Centaurus [reverse]

model 1601, cast possibly before 1610

Nicolas Guinier

Associated Names
Nicolas Guinier

Medalist, French, active 1601 - 1614

The relief medal depicts two human figures in dynamic motion. One figure is seated, leaning back with one arm on the ground, while the other figure is positioned above them, poised on one knee with an arm raised. The sculpture is made of dark bronze, with smooth and polished areas contrasting with darker indentations. The edges of the medal are inscribed with text. It is a small sculpture meant for close observation of the intricate details.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (oval): 9.7 x 7.6 cm (3 13/16 x 3 in.)
    gross weight: 244 gr (0.538 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1996.122.4.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring the profile of a man wearing a detailed helmet adorned with a plume of feathers. The man is shown in a side view, looking to the right. The helmet has a crest and the man has a beard. He appears to wear classical military or warrior attire, with visible shoulder armor. The sculpture is made of dark material resembling aged bronze, with a patina that enhances its features. Inscriptions are present along the medallion's border, though some letters may be obscured by the weathered texture. The medallion sculpture is finely crafted, emphasizing quality and historical impression.

Henri IV, 1553-1610, King of France 1589, as Mars [obverse]

Nicolas Guinier

1601

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Art market, London; purchased 1960s by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1996 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. 636, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: MARTIS CEDVNT HAEC SIGNA PLANETAE (These stars will be brought into the sphere of Mars)

Wikidata ID

Q63861979

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