Battle Scene [reverse]

c. 1490

Antico

Associated Names
Antico

Artist, Mantuan, c. 1460 - 1528

The image shows a round, bronze sculpture with intricate designs. The sculpture features multiple human figures in dynamic poses engaged in a battle or struggle. A central figure is prominently positioned, appearing to wear a helmet and gesturing assertively. Additional figures and a horse or similar animal are in the background. The surface of the sculpture has a dark, metallic hue typical of aged bronze. The edges have a detailed border, and the top is inscribed with the words "DVDIA FORTVNA."

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.49 cm (1 3/8 in.)
    gross weight: 29.44 gr (0.029 kg)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.666.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a medallion sculpture featuring a relief portrait of a woman in profile. The woman has a detailed braided hairstyle with bead-like elements, and wears a beaded necklace. Her attire includes subtle folds, hinting at luxurious fabric. The medallion is made of bronze or brass-like metal with a warm tone and patina. The edges have small embossments and the inscription reads “DIVAE IVLIA PRIMVM FELIX."

Diva Giulia [obverse]

Antico

1490

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Aimé Charles) Horace His de la Salle [1795-1878], Paris; (his estate sale, Sotheby's, London, 22-25 November 1880, 2nd day, no. 174); 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

Exhibition History

1994

  • The Currency of Fame: Portrait Medals of the Renaissance, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The Frick Collection, New York; National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1994-1995, no. 17, repro.

2011

  • Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The Frick Collection, New York, 2011-2012, pl. 5.

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 114, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: DVBIA FORTV[n]A; across bottom on ground line: ANTICVS

Wikidata ID

Q63847351

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