Faustina the Younger and Five Women Sacrificing [reverse]

mid 16th century

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

The image displays a bronze circular sculpture with detailed relief work. The sculpture features a group of figures engaged in a ceremonial act, with two prominent figures standing beside a tall column with a fire burning at the top. Above them is a canopy-like structure supported by three columns, inside which a small figure stands. Additional figures in draped garments, typical of ancient attire, are in the background. The relief showcases the fluidity of the garments and the poised gestures of the figures. The composition is encircled by a beaded border along the edge of the sculpture, with a small hole at the top for mounting or display.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.52 cm (1 3/8 in.)
    gross weight: 30.2 gr (0.067 lb.)
    axis: 5:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1000.b

Associated Artworks

The image depicts a relief of a woman's profile facing right on an ancient Roman coin. The subject appears to be a classical figure, suggested by her attire and the style of the coin. The sculpture is made of a light brown material, possibly bronze. Text in Latin is inscribed along the border of the coin. The woman's hair is styled intricately and seems to be held up with a diadem or headband. There is a small hole near the edge of the coin, indicating it might have been used as a pendant or ornament. The texture of the coin shows signs of wear, suggesting its age and historical use.

Faustina the Younger, died A.D. 175, Wife of Marcus Aurelius [obverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

1525

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. 464, repro.

Inscriptions

across bottom: S[enatus] C[onsulto]

Wikidata ID

Q63851659

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