Borghese Borghesi, 1414-1490, Jurisconsult of Siena [obverse]

after 1479

Francesco di Giorgio Martini

Associated Names
Francesco di Giorgio Martini

Artist, Sienese, 1439 - 1501

The sculpture is a round, relief medallion featuring the profile of a man's head facing left. The man depicted is wearing a conical hat and his attire suggests a robe or similar garment. The sculpture is made of a bronze-colored material. The edges of the medallion have text inscribed in a circular fashion. The medallion has two holes near the edge. The profile appears worn, with minor surface marks and patina. The size and shape of the medallion suggest it was designed to be viewed closely.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Four times pierced

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 121.2 gr (0.267 lb.)
    axis: 11:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.694.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is on a circular medallion representing a human figure. The figure is in a dynamic pose, holding a staff or spear in the right hand and a large shield in the left arm. The figure is draped in flowing garments, emphasizing movement. The material is metallic with a brownish-bronze color and aged patina. The medallion has text inscribed around the border and small holes at the top and bottom. The overall size is small and portable, showing detailed craftsmanship and lettering.

Minerva Holding a Spear and Shield [reverse]

Francesco di Giorgio Martini

1479


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

1967

  • Hill, George Francis, and Graham Pollard. Renaissance Medals from the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art. London, 1967: no. 101.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 144, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: BVRGHESIVS SENEN[sis] [EQ] VES IVRIS VTR[iusque] CONSVLTIS[S] [imus] P[ater] P[atriae]

Wikidata ID

Q63847579

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