Minerva Holding an Olive Branch and a Spear [reverse]

1579

Gaspare Romanelli

Associated Names
Gaspare Romanelli

Artist, Florentine, active 1560/1609

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a depiction of a classical figure in profile, clad in armor with a plumed helmet, holding a spear and an olive branch. The figure's pose is dynamic, appearing to be in mid-stride. The surrounding area of the coin is inscribed with text in Latin. The surface of the coin shows signs of wear and age, exhibiting a golden-brown patina that suggests it is made of bronze or a similar metal. The artistry of the coin captures the intricate detailing typical of classical antiquity, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship of its time.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.84 cm (1 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 28.6 gr (0.063 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.955.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a sculpted medallion featuring the profile of an older man with a distinctive beard and introspective expression. The man is adorned in a period garment with intricate textures suggesting fur or a similar textile around the collar and shoulders. The sculpture is crafted from a lustrous, golden-brown metal, giving it an antiqued appearance. The outer edge of the medallion features inscribed text in Latin. The profile is detailed, highlighting the man's facial features, hairlines, and the texture of the clothing. The artwork captures the subject in a dignified and venerable pose, suggesting the medallion to be a commemorative or honoring piece.

Pietro Vettori the Younger, 1499-1585, Florentine Scholar [obverse]

Gaspare Romanelli

1579

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. 414, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: INVENTRIX OLEAE ET ALTRIX INGENIOR[um]

Wikidata ID

Q63851527

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