Allegory of the Triumph of Religion [reverse]

1822/1823

Giuseppe Cerbara

Associated Names
Giuseppe Cerbara

Medalist, Italian, 1770 - 1856

The image shows a round sculpture resembling a medal or medallion with intricate relief carvings. It features four human figures in classical attire, standing closely together and interacting. One figure holds a cross-like object, while another holds a scroll or rod. The relief is surrounded by an engraved border with inscriptions in Latin reading “VIRTUTUM IN RELIGIONE TRIUMPHUS” and the year "A.D. MDCCCXXII" (1822). The material appears to be bronze, with a dark, burnished appearance and lighter highlights on prominent features. The medallion is against a plain black background, highlighting its craftsmanship and relief work detail.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.17 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 34.01 gr (0.075 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.4.b

Associated Artworks

The relief portrait depicts Pope Pius VII in profile, wearing a papal tiara and a decorative robe with intricate patterns. The sculpture is made of a bronze-colored material, giving it a metallic appearance. The figure is in high relief against a slightly recessed background. An inscribed circular border surrounds the portrait with text including the name "PIUS SEPTIMUS" and elements like "PON. MAX. ANNO XXIII." The design resembles a detailed medallion or coin.

Pius VII (Barnaba Chiaramonti, 1742-1823), Pope 1800 [obverse]

Giuseppe Cerbara

1822


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. 865, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: VIRTUTUM IN RELIGIONE TRIUMPHUS.; in exergue: OPTIMO PRINCIPI SACRUM / A.D.MDCCCXXII / CERBARA.F.

Wikidata ID

Q63861834

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