Roma with She-Wolf, Romulus, and Remus above the Tiber River [reverse]

1538

Leone Leoni

Associated Names
Leone Leoni

Artist, Milanese, c. 1509 - 1590

The image shows a circular sculpture. On the left side, a figure with long flowing robes is seated on a raised structure, holding a staff. A goat is lying next to this figure. On the right side, another figure sits at a lower level with a beard and long hair, one arm resting on a bent knee. The letters "S" and "C" are inscribed on the surface. The material of the sculpture appears to be a copper or bronze alloy, giving it a rich golden hue with patina indicating age. The scene is encased within a circular border.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.49 cm (1 3/4 in.)
    gross weight: 45.69 gr (0.101 lb.)
    axis: 4:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1027.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a bas-relief medallion with a bearded figure in profile. The individual wears detailed attire with intricate patterns indicating high status. The material appears to be patinated bronze, giving the medallion an antique gold hue. It is round with engraved text around the outer edge and decorative dots framing the text. The craftsmanship is detailed, especially in the hair, beard, and clothing. This portrait medallion likely commemorates an important historical figure.

Paul III (Alessandro Farnese, 1468-1549), Pope 1534 [obverse]

Leone Leoni

1538


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. 488, repro.

Inscriptions

center right: S[enatus] C[onsulto]

Wikidata ID

Q63851778

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