Allegorical Plaquette [reverse]

first half 16th century

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
Italian 16th Century

Artist

The image shows a medallion featuring a nude male figure holding a key in one hand and a torch in the other, surrounded by celestial elements like stars and a globe in relief. The medallion is made of bronzed material with an aged appearance. There is a banner above the figure with unclear text and the year "1555" below. At the top, there is a loop-like structure for hanging or attachment, ornamented with a symbolic motif.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Medium brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (irregular): 8.5 x 5.8 cm (3 3/8 x 2 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.469.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round, medallion-like piece featuring a mythical creature that combines features of a horse and a dragon, with the head of the horse having visible ears, eyes, and nostrils, transitioning into a scaly, serpent-like body. At the top of the medallion, there is a depiction of a reclining animal situated above a banner with inscriptions. The sculpture is made of a material that appears to be bronze or a similar metal, given its dark, coppery color and patina. The intricate details of the scales and the texture of the creature's mane and features are carefully rendered. The medallion also includes decorative elements around the border.

Allegorical Plaquette [obverse]

Italian 16th Century

1500

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

across top on scroll: AB ORIGINE MUNDI; across bottom: AS 568

Wikidata ID

Q63814870

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