Allegory of Religion [reverse]

1788

Filippo Cropanese

Associated Names
Filippo Cropanese

Medalist, Roman, active 1756 - 1773

The image shows a round medallion featuring a figure standing with a cross. The figure, possibly female, holds the cross with one hand. At her feet is a lion, and she has a calm expression. The medallion is inscribed with Latin text surrounding the central figure. It has a bronze color with a patina. The relief work creates a sense of depth, making the subject stand out from the background, which includes details of a city and a bridge. At the bottom is the inscription "AN. MDCCLXXXVIII," corresponding to the year 1788. The craftsmanship suggests a historical artifact, possibly cast in metal, with artistic and historical significance.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.3 cm (2 1/16 in.)
    gross weight: 67.56 gr (0.149 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.5.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring the profile of a man in clerical attire, including a biretta. The man has short, wavy hair and a solemn expression. The material appears to be bronze-like metal. The medallion is detailed, showing the man's features in high relief and intricate hair and garment detailing. There is an inscription around the edge of the medallion that reads "HENRICUS MD EP TUSC CARD DUX ETR BORS RE V CANC." The sculpture appears to be a historical piece capturing the likeness of an important ecclesiastical figure, reminiscent of classic coin or emblem designs.

Prince Henry Stuart, 1725-1807, Cardinal of York 1747 [obverse]

Filippo Cropanese

1788

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. 862, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: NON.DESIDERIIS.HOMINVM.SED.VOLVNTATE.DEI (Not by the desires of man but by the will of God); in exergue: AN.MDCCLXXXVIII

Wikidata ID

Q63861770

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