Camilla Albizzi [obverse]

1556

Medalist R.C.

Associated Names
Medalist R.C.

Artist, Florentine, active second half 16th century

This is a photograph of an old medallion or coin. The medallion displays a profile of a classical bust with finely detailed artistic features. The figure is adorned with an intricate hairstyle and a finely textured garment. The texture of the medallion indicates it may be composed of a metal, and the surface has darkened over time. Around the edge of the medallion, there is an inscription. The entire piece is set against a plain black background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Late cast

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.59 cm (1 13/16 in.)
    gross weight: 34.53 gr (0.076 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.940.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicted is on a coin-like medallion showing two human figures. The figure on the left appears to be a male, partially clothed with a visible bare chest, reaching out towards the other figure. The figure on the right seems to be a female, draped in a flowing garment, with her arms raised overhead. The entire sculpture on the medallion is monochromatic, made of a dark metal material. The characters are in relief with intricate details of their garments and features finely crafted. Surrounding the figures is a border with inscriptions. The medallion has a patina and texture giving it an antiquated appearance.

Apollo Pursuing Daphne [reverse]

Medalist R.C.

1556

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

1967

  • Hill, George Francis, and Graham Pollard. Renaissance Medals from the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art. London, 1967: no. 347.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 395, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CAMILLA ALBITIA FLOS VIRG[inum] AETAT[is] SVAE

Wikidata ID

Q63851820

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