Eagle Looking at the Sun [reverse]

after 1550

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture on the coin is an eagle with its wings partially spread and head turned to one side. It is made of a warm, coppery-gold material and set in high relief on a circular surface resembling a coin. Surrounding the eagle are background elements including clouds and rays of sunlight. Above the eagle is an inscription, "VIS VS ET ANIMVS IDEM," arched along the edge. The piece is detailed, with texturing suggesting feathers, clouds, and landscape features, giving it an intricate appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.12 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 21.34 gr (0.047 lb.)
    axis: 11:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1104.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a coin with a portrait relief of an individual in profile. The person is wearing elaborate attire with visible braids in the hair, and a high-collared garment. An inscription "CALIDONIA*VICL*COMES*VIRAGO" surrounds the edge of the coin. The surface of the coin has an oxidized copper tone. The craftsmanship displays detailed textures in the hair and clothing.

Calidonia Visconti Cavanago, Wife of Lucio Cavanago [obverse]

Italian 16th Century

1550


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. 582, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: VISVS ET ANIMVS IDEM

Wikidata ID

Q63851226

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