Allegory Celebrating Victory at Lepanto [reverse]

1571

Giovanni Vincenzo Melone

Associated Names
Giovanni Vincenzo Melone

Medalist, Italian, active 1571 - 1589

This is a photograph of an ancient coin or medallion. The coin features a central figure standing on a pedestal or column, surrounded by intricate designs and smaller figures. The surface of the coin shows signs of wear and patina. Around the outer edge, there is an inscription whose letters are visible but worn. The central figure appears to be holding an object, and additional small depictions can be seen around the pedestal. The artistry of the coin reflects a high level of craftsmanship typical of historical minting, with attention to detail in both the figure and the surrounding designs.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.1 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 20.89 gr (0.046 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.22.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a detailed portrait on a coin featuring a profile view of a man's bust facing left. The man appears to be of noble status, as indicated by his intricately designed clothing, including a high ruffled collar and armor with ornate patterns. The subject has short, wavy hair and a neatly trimmed beard. The sculpture is cast in a metallic material that has a bronze appearance, with a worn and patinated surface indicating age. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription, likely comprising the name and titles associated with the individual depicted. The circular coin is lined with a beaded border.

Don Juan of Austria, 1547-1578 [obverse]

Giovanni Vincenzo Melone

1571

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1997 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. 828, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CLASSE TVRCICA AD.NAVPACTVM DELETA; around bottom on truncation of ground, year faintly legible: DIE.7.OCTOBR.1571. (The Turkish fleet destroyed at Nafpactos on the 7th of October 1571)

Wikidata ID

Q63861825

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