Triumphal Car with Mercury and the Muses [reverse]

c. 1480

Bertoldo di Giovanni

Associated Names
Bertoldo di Giovanni

Artist, Florentine, c. 1430/1440 - 1491

The image depicts an ancient coin or medallion featuring a scene with multiple figures on a chariot or platform. The relief shows intricate details of the figures and the platform with wheels. The writing appears to be in Latin, saying "VOLENTEM DUCVNT NOLENTEM TRAHUNT." The image focuses on the textured surface and aged patina of the metal, with the design casting shadows. A centaur is visible in the foreground, suggesting a theme related to mythology. There is a hole near the edge, indicating a possible use as a pendant or decorative item.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.14 cm (2 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 71.41 gr (0.157 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.844.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicts the profile of a man with curly hair facing to the right. The material appears to be metal, with a brown patina and spots of corrosion. The circular sculpture resembles an ancient coin or medallion, with raised text encircling the profile. The text includes the phrases "ANTONIVS GRATIA DEI CESAREVS ORATOR" and "MORTALIVM CVRA." The surface is textured and rustic, indicative of age and handling. There is a small hole near the top edge.

Antonio Graziadei, died 1491, Imperial Envoy [obverse]

Bertoldo di Giovanni

1480


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. 285, repro.

Inscriptions

across bottom: VOLENTEM DVCVNT / NOLENTEM TRAHVNT

Wikidata ID

Q63847467

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