Three Female Figures [reverse]

early 16th century

Venetian 16th Century

Associated Names
The image displays a round bronze-colored sculpture with a relief design. The central subject of the sculpture is three standing female figures in a semi-profile pose, wearing draped garments. The material is metal, giving a consistent bronze tone. There are Latin inscriptions around the edge of the sculpture. The artwork appears weathered with visible wear and surface patina.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.96 cm (1 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 33.72 gr (0.074 lb.)
    axis: 8:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.760.b

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a coin featuring a carved profile of a man. The coin is round and appears to be made from a copper or bronze material, given its warm brown tone and patina. The profile on the coin shows a man with a beard and short, waved hair. The lighting casts soft shadows which emphasize the contours of the face. Around the edge of the coin, there is an inscription that reads "THOMAS MO... CENICO". The craftsmanship indicates a detailed engraving technique that captures the intricate features of the figure's hair and facial expression.

Tommaso Mocenigo [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. 193, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: VIRTVTE DVCE ET COMITE FORTVNA

Wikidata ID

Q63847934

You may be interested in

Loading Results