The Altar of Faith on Mount Olympus [reverse]

1519/1530

Giovanni Maria Pomedelli

Associated Names
Giovanni Maria Pomedelli

Artist, Veronese, 1478/1479 - 1537

The image shows a round medal with embossed artwork. The sculpture on the medal depicts a mound or mountain topped with a pedestal or small structure. Surrounding the mound are sculptured elements resembling trees or foliage, framing the central figure. At the top of the medal is the word "FIDES," and at the bottom is the inscription "IOANNES. MARIA. DOMED. F." The medal is made of metal, displaying a dark bronze or copper color with a slightly worn appearance. The medal is detailed and textured, showcasing the intricacy of the relief work.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.99 cm (1 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 31.46 gr (0.069 lb.)
    axis: 1:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.774.b

Associated Artworks

This is an image of an ancient coin. The coin features a detailed profile relief of a figure with curly hair and a regal or militaristic outfit adorned with a row of circular embellishments. The border of the coin contains inscribed text describing the figure. The surface of the coin shows signs of age with a patina giving it a brownish and reddish tint. The craftsmanship exhibits a high level of detail, particularly in the depiction of the figure's facial features and attire, indicating the coin's historical significance.

Federigo II Gonzaga, 1500-1540, 5th Marquess of Mantua 1519 and 1st Duke of Mantua 1530 [obverse]

Giovanni Maria Pomedelli

1519


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. 205, repro.

Inscriptions

across top above mountain: FIDES; across bottom: IOA[n]NES MARIA/ POMED[ellus] F[ecit]

Wikidata ID

Q63847653

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