Helmeted Figure Holding Victory and a Plant [reverse]

c. 1500/1525

Venetian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture is a relief depicting a human figure standing upright. The figure is holding a branch or leafy shoot in one hand while the other hand is reaching towards a smaller figure, possibly of a bird. The sculpture is circular and made of bronze. The figure is depicted in a highly stylized and simplified form, with smooth surfaces blending into the background. The bronze material provides durability and weight to the piece. The delineation of the figure and its attributes are skillfully crafted to be easily discernible yet subtly integrated into the circular design.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.27 cm (1 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 35.15 gr (0.077 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.758.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture features a profile of a man's head on a round object, potentially a medal or medallion. The man depicted has historical significance, shown in a classical style with inscriptions "IOANNES" and "FASTOLVUS." The material seems to be bronze based on its color and sheen. The sculpture represents the man's face in profile facing left, with detailed features like a nose, lips, and an eye. He wears headwear and clothing with a visible folded collar. The craftsmanship reveals intricate detailing common in historical portraiture in medal forms.

Giovanni Fasiol [obverse]

Venetian 16th Century

1500


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. 187, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63847931

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