Marcellus II (Marcello Corvino, 1501-1555), Pope 1555 [obverse]

1555

Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi

Associated Names
Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi

Artist, Milanese, 1513 - after 1575

The sculpture is a relief depiction of a man dressed in clerical attire. The man appears older and has distinct facial features with a full beard. The attire is ornate with intricate patterns and decorations including medallion-like figures. The sculpture is on a circular medallion or medallion-like form, made of a golden-brown material resembling bronze. Around the circumference are the words "MARCELLVS II PONT MAX". The size and detail suggest it could be handheld or part of a series of ceremonial objects.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 7.64 cm (3 in.)
    gross weight: 94.9 gr (0.209 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.963.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the medallion features a seated figure dressed in draped garments. The figure is holding a book in one hand while the other rests on a rectangular table. Next to the figure, there is an object that appears to be a plinth or structure with a domed top. The medallion is round and crafted from a copper or bronze-like material, giving it a rich brownish-orange hue. The detailing and bas-relief style of the sculpture provide a sense of depth. The edges of the medallion are adorned with a beaded border, and there are two small holes at the top.

Seated Figure of the Church [reverse]

Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi

1555

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

1970

  • The Age of Vasari, Art Gallery, University of Notre Dame, Indiana; University Art Gallery, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1970, no. M10.

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. 370.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 422, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: MARCELLVS II PONT[ifex] MAX[imus]; around bottom circumference: IO[annes] ANT[onius] RVB[eus] MEDIOL[anensis]

Wikidata ID

Q63851558

You may be interested in

Loading Results