Giampietro Mantova Benavides, died 1520, Paduan Physician [obverse]

1520 or after

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

The image shows a relief sculpture on a circular coin featuring a profile portrait of a bald human facing left. The figure has detailed facial features and is wearing a high collar garment. The material seems to be a bronze or copper alloy, evident from its dark brown color with areas of wear and patina. The coin is inscribed along the outer edge, although some parts of the text may be incomplete due to age. The sculpture appears three-dimensional with precise contours and textures. The background is dark, emphasizing the coin's detail. There is a noticeable chip or break along the upper left edge of the coin.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.64 cm (1 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 33.46 gr (0.074 lb.)
    axis: 8:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.983.a

Associated Artworks

The image is of an ancient coin featuring a classical architectural motif with a temple-like structure consisting of a pediment supported by columns. Inside, there is a standing figure that could represent a deity or significant historical figure. Above the pediment, there are additional figures or symbols. The surface of the coin is aged, showing patina with shades of brown and some wear that highlight its design. The inscription along the edge of the coin reads "AETERNITAS MANT."

Temple of Eternity with Goddess [reverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

1520

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. 390.

1974

  • Davis, Charles. "Medals of Marco Mantova Benavides by Jacob Zagar and Giovanni dal Cavino." Studies in the History of Art vol. 6 (1974):96-103, repro.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 445, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: IO[annes] PET[rus] MAN[tua] BONAVI[tus] MEDICVS PATER

Wikidata ID

Q63851591

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