Marriage Altar [reverse]

1767

Gysbert van Moelingen

Associated Names
Gysbert van Moelingen

Medalist, Dutch, active 1754 - 1771

The image shows a circular relief sculpture depicting two winged cherubs holding flaming torches in mid-flight above a central altar. The scene includes a toppled column, a sculpted lion's head, and foliage. The sculpture is made of a dark metallic material, possibly bronze, with inscriptions along the border.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 18.92 gr (0.042 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.23.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a double portrait featuring two individuals with finely detailed profiles. Both figures are depicted in a classical style, facing to the right. The person in the foreground appears to be male, characterized by a voluminous, curly hairstyle tied at the back, adorned with a decorative attire featuring high collars and button-like details. The second figure, positioned slightly behind, seems to be female, also with an intricately styled hair. The sculpture is crafted from a metal that appears bronze or similarly toned, with a polished finish that highlights the intricate details of their features and attire. The sculpture is inscribed with text along its border, reading "WILHELM IV. AURIA. & FREDERICA SOPHIA WILHELMINA PRUSSIA." The craftsmanship provides a sense of depth and texture, contrasting the smoothness of their faces with the textured appearance of their hair and clothing.

Marriage Medal of Wilhelm V, Prince of Orange, and Frederica Sophia Wilhelmina, Princess of Prussia [obverse]

Gysbert van Moelingen

1767

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. 941, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: SPES PATRIAE.POPULI DELICIAE.; in exergue: NUPTIAE.CELEBRATAE / BEROLINI.IV.OCT / MDCCLXVII (The hope of the nation, the delight of the people; marriage celebrated in Berlin 4 October 1767)

Wikidata ID

Q63861843

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