The Judgment of Paris [reverse]

late 16th century

Giovanni Battista Cambio, called Bombarda

Associated Names
Giovanni Battista Cambio, called Bombarda

Medalist, Emilian, active c. 1540 - 1575

The sculpture depicted on the object is a detailed scene featuring several human figures in classical poses. At the center, a group of three standing figures appears, seemingly nude, with one figure at the far right seated and holding an object that resembles a small sphere. Another smaller figure stands beside them. The figures are crafted with intricate details to highlight their anatomy and posture, reminiscent of classical Greco-Roman style. The sculpture is rendered on a round, flat surface, resembling a large coin or medallion, with a warm, golden brown hue. Surrounding the figures is a slightly raised border, and there is an inscription encircling the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.28 cm (2 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 92.68 gr (0.204 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1051.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a relief portrait on a round medallion. It depicts a woman in profile facing right with elaborate hair, flowers, draped garment, beaded necklace. It appears to be made from dark golden-brown metal, likely bronze. The details of her hair, clothing, and accessories suggest fine craftsmanship. There is an inscription surrounding the profile, possibly indicating the person's name or title. The medallion resembles a historical artifact, like a coin or commemorative piece.

Anna Maurella Oldofredi d'Iseo [obverse]

Giovanni Battista Cambio, called Bombarda

1550

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph Fau, Paris; (his sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 3-8 March 1884, 1st day, no. 506); 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. 526, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: HAEC DIGNIOR

Wikidata ID

Q63851572

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