Minerva Encouraging the State [reverse]

1747

Johann Christian Marmé

Associated Names
Johann Christian Marmé

Medalist, Dutch, active 1741 - 1757

The sculpture features a circular medal decorated with intricate relief work. In the center, there is a depiction of a classical figure seated to the right. She is adorned with a gown and a decorative helmet, holding a staff in one hand and a shield with floral motifs in the other. Beside her is a leafy tree, and to its left, an ornately carved altar or pedestal emits flames. The entire composition is crafted in bronze, giving the piece a rich, metallic brown appearance. The details are finely engraved, revealing careful artistry in the depiction of the foliage, the figure, and the flames. The surrounding edge of the medal is smooth, and at the bottom, the inscription "MARME SCULP" is visible.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.35 cm (1 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 29.76 gr (0.066 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    2001.131.3.b

Associated Artworks

This is a round object that looks like a medal. The medal features an inscription in embossed lettering. The surface has a slightly worn, aged appearance. It is a gray color with some slightly darker areas. Above the text, there's a decorative embellishment with floral elements tied with a ribbon. The edge of the medal is raised.

Inscription: William IV, Prince of Orange, Elected Stadtholder [obverse]

Johann Christian Marmé

1747


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2001 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. 926, repro.

Inscriptions

in exergue: MARME.SCULP.

Wikidata ID

Q63861875

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