Virginity Tying Love to a Tree [reverse]

1485/1490

Style of Niccolò Fiorentino

Associated Names
Anonymous Artist

Artist

Niccolò Fiorentino

Related Artist, Florentine, 1430 - 1514

The sculpture is a round medallion depicting two human figures in profile relief. One figure is male, wearing minimal clothing, while the other figure is female, possibly adorned with flowing robes. Both figures are engaged in a dynamic scene, with the male figure holding a staff or similar object. Below them, a small animal, possibly a unicorn, can be identified. The sculpture is made from a metal, likely bronze, as suggested by its rich brown color with areas of lighter patina. The medallion's surface is textured, with intricate detailing suggesting a narrative or historical scene. Surrounding the figures are inscriptions along the edge of the medallion. The sculpture resembles an ancient or classical relief, both in style and subject matter, and appears to be an artifact or commemorative item.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.45 cm (2 1/8 in.)
    gross weight: 61.06 gr (0.135 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.875.b

Associated Artworks

The image depicts a portrait sculpture on a medallion featuring a woman facing left. The subject's features are refined, with detailed jewelry and a headdress suggesting high social status. The sculpture appears to be made of reddish-brown metal, potentially bronze. The medallion has engraved inscriptions surrounding the woman's profile, adding to its historical appearance. The craftsmanship showcases intricate detailing in her hair and facial features, creating a realistic representation.

Costanza Rucellai, probably Daughter of Girolamo Rucellai and Wife of Francesco Dini 1471 [obverse]

Anonymous Artist

1485

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

Exhibition History

1980

  • Beyond Nobility: Art for the Private Citizen in the Early Renaissance, Allentown Art Museum, Pennsylvania, 1980-1981, no. 55, repro.

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 319, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: VIRGINITAS AMORIS FRENVM

Wikidata ID

Q63847899

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