Charles V, 1500-1558, King of Spain 1516-1556, Holy Roman Emperor 1519 [obverse]

16th century

German 16th Century (Georg Fugger Group)

Associated Names
Georg Fugger Group

Medalist, German

German 16th Century

Medalist

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a profile relief of a bearded man facing to the right, wearing a flat cap and a cape with visible folds. The sculpture is made from a dark metal, possibly bronze. The surrounding border contains engraved text, which appears to be an inscription in an ancient script or language. The medallion has a small circular hole at the top.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lead

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.71 cm (1 7/8 in.)
    gross weight: 28.65 gr (0.063 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1999.109.16.a

Associated Artworks

This is an image of an ancient coin or medallion depicting two pillars partially submerged in stylized waves. The design is symmetrical, with both pillars featuring intricate capitals. The bottom of the medallion shows flowing waves, creating a pattern. The piece contains inscriptions: on each side of the pillars are the words "PLUS" and "ULTRA," with a Latin phrase engraved along the upper edge, albeit partially obscured. The medallion appears metallic with a textured surface, suggesting age or patination.

Pillars of Hercules [reverse]

German 16th Century, Georg Fugger Group

1500

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1999 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. 912, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CAROL.V.ROM.IMP.AVG.HISP.[P or R?] CATHOL.DVXAVST.ETC

Wikidata ID

Q63861611

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