Gianfrancesco Riding in a Rocky Landscape, with a Companion [reverse]

c. 1445/1447

Pisanello

Associated Names
Pisanello

Artist, Veronese, c. 1395 - 1455

The sculpture features two figures on horseback. The primary subject appears to be the frontal horse and rider in the foreground, who is outfitted with a wide-brimmed hat; the rider holds the reins with a calm demeanor. The second figure, positioned slightly behind and at a higher angle, is also atop a horse and wearing a helmet-like headdress. The sculpture is crafted from a metallic material, likely bronze or a similar alloy, and bears a patina typical of aged metalwork. The round relief is inscribed with text around the upper perimeter, and two small holes are visible at the top. Detailing on the horses and riders is rendered with soft relief, giving a somewhat worn appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lead

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 9.99 cm (3 15/16 in.)
    gross weight: 387.18 gr (0.854 lb.)
    axis: 1:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.594.b

Associated Artworks

The relief sculpture features a male figure wearing an elaborate cylindrical hat with a wide brim. The individual is adorned in a textured garment. The sculpture is circular with the text "JOHANNES FRANCISCVS DE GONZAGA MARCHIO MANTVE" inscribed around the border. The material appears to be a gray-toned metal or metal-like substance, giving it a weathered appearance. The figure is in profile, facing right, with clear carvings emphasizing contours and details of the clothing and facial features.

Gianfrancesco I Gonzaga, 1395-1444, 1st Marquess of Mantua 1433 [obverse]

Pisanello

1445


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his heirs; purchased with the entire Dreyfus collection 9 July 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London, New York, and Paris); sold 31 January 1944 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[1] gift 1957 to NGA.
[1] The Duveen Brothers Records document the firm’s sixteen year pursuit and eventual acquisition of the Dreyfus collection, which included paintings, sculptures, small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes. Bequeathed as part of his estate to Dreyfus’ widow and five children (a son and four daughters), who had differing opinions about its disposition, the collection was not sold until after his widow’s death in April 1929. Duveen did not wish to separate Dreyfus’ collection of small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes, and it was sold intact to the Kress Foundation for a price that was met by installment payments every three months. (Duveen Brothers Records, accession number 960015, Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles: reel 301, box 446, folders 3 and 4; reel 302, box 447, folders 1-6; reel 303, box 448, folders 1 and 2; reel 330, box 475, folder 4.) See also George Francis Hill’s discussion "A Note on Pedigrees" in his catalogue, The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Renaissance Medals, Oxford, 1931: xii, which was commissioned by Duveen Brothers.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 16, repro.

Inscriptions

upper center: OPVS / PISANI / PICTO / RI / S

Wikidata ID

Q63815126

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