Ram between Two Briquets [reverse]

c. 1474

Roman 15th Century

Associated Names
The image shows a round medallion with an intricate design. In the center, there is a stylized animal figure, possibly a canine or wolf-like creature. Above and below the animal, there is text in an ancient script style that reads “IELAIE MPRNS” and “BIENENAVENCE.” On either side of the animal, there are decorative scroll-like designs. The border is adorned with a woven or braided pattern. The medallion is brown in color, with a textured surface resembling aged bronze or copper. Near the bottom edge, there is a small perforation, likely for hanging the medallion. The overall appearance of the medallion is antique, possibly intended to mimic historical artifacts.

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

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.87 cm (1 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 25.21 gr (0.056 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.817.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring a profile portrait of a man's head. The man has curled hair and a laurel wreath, looking to the right. The medallion is made of a bronze-colored material. The edges of the medallion are smooth and slightly raised, with a hole near the top center. Around the portrait, there are inscriptions in raised lettering. The overall look of the medallion suggests it is a detailed and fine embossed work.

Charles the Bold, 1433-1477, Duke of Burgundy 1467 [obverse]

Roman 15th Century

1474


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. 256, repro.

Inscriptions

across center: IE LAI EMPRINS BIEN EN AVIENGNE; center left on briquet: VELLVS; center right on briquet: AVREVM

Wikidata ID

Q63847630

You may be interested in

Loading Results