The Emperor Enlightened, at an Altar with the Tablets of the Law Overlaid by the Scroll of the Gospels [reverse]

1782

Johann Georg Holtzhey

Associated Names
Johann Georg Holtzhey

Medalist, Dutch, 1729 - 1808

The relief is on a circular medal. A figure is seen kneeling and facing a beam of light descending from above. The figure wears a flowing robe, reaching out with one arm towards the light. Next to the figure is a pedestal with a large book labeled "LIB. ERGO". The sides of the book have intricate patterns and carvings. At the base of the pedestal, there is a detailed plant and a ground textured as a natural setting. The sculpture is cast in metal with a dark patina, highlighting the engravings. The border of the medal has inscriptions: "AMICISSIMA VERITAS" above the scene and the date "MDCCLXXXII" or 1782 in Roman numerals at the bottom. The relief shows fine craftsmanship with attention to anatomical detail and drapery typical of its historical period.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.51 cm (1 3/4 in.)
    gross weight: 30.94 gr (0.068 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1998.108.7.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicts a man in profile with his hair tied back and draped in a toga-like garment. It is made of bronze or copper, circular with raised inscriptions around the edges that read "JOSEPH II DG ROM IMP VERA PIETATIS VINDEX." The craftsmanship shows detailed hair texturing and smooth facial features in classical or neoclassical style.

Joseph II, 1741-1790, Holy Roman Emperor 1765 [obverse]

Johann Georg Holtzhey

1782


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1998 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. 940, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: AMICISSIMA VERITAS. MDCCLXXXII (Most beloved Truth, 1782); on scroll on top of altar: EVANGELII; on front of altar: LIB / ERGO

Wikidata ID

Q63861877

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