Male Figure and Winged Caduceus [reverse]

probably c. 1510/1530

Vittore Gambello

Associated Names
Vettor Gambello, called Camelio

Artist, Venetian, 1455/1460 - 1537

The image shows a bronze sculpture of a seated male figure with wings extending from his head, likely representing Mercury (Hermes). The figure is sitting sideways on a rock or seat, with one arm outstretched and the other hand resting on his knee. In front of him is a caduceus. The background has faint detailing. The bronze material is a golden brown color, slightly worn. Inscribed letters are seen at the bottom. The style is classical and ancient, reminiscent of Greco-Roman coinage and mythology-themed artifacts.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 2.95 cm (1 3/16 in.)
    gross weight: 18.52 gr (0.041 lb.)
    axis: 7:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.743.b

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a raised profile of a man's head with elaborate, curly hair, facing to the right. The surface of the coin is weathered and shows signs of age, with areas of tarnish and patina. The edge of the coin is smooth, and there are some visible cracks and imperfections. The lighting highlights the embossed features of the profile, casting subtle shadows that enhance the details of the hair and the facial features. The background is a neutral black.

Self-Portrait as Augustus [obverse]

Vettor Gambello, called Camelio

1510


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. 171, repro.

Inscriptions

across bottom: V CAMELIO

Wikidata ID

Q63847953

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