Filippo Cassoli, died 1391, Jurist, Diplomat, and Teacher [obverse]

16th century

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture depicts a side profile of a male subject dressed in historical attire. The figure is detailed, with a textured garment and a headpiece that drapes down. Made of bronze, the sculpture has a warm, aged golden-brown hue with darker shadows. The man has a prominent nose, closed lips, and a composed expression. Surrounding the portrait is an inscription in raised letters reading "DOCTORI DOCTOR NOB PHILIPPO DE CASOLIS." The circular form and relief details suggest this is a commemorative medallion or medal.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.82 cm (2 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 88.6 gr (0.195 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1115.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the coin-like object shows a figure playing a violin. The figure is detailed and stands confidently. The attire suggests a historical or classical style. The sculpture is bronze-colored, resembling medals. The background shows architectural elements or a cityscape. The circular object is bordered by text saying "OMN ITALIAE GYMNNA LECTORI DPI." The sculpture conveys artistry and historical significance through detailed craftsmanship and classical inspiration.

Young Man Walking on Town Walls [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

1500


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. 520.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 592, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: DOCTORI DOCTOR[um] NOB[ilissimo] PHILIPPO DE CASOLIS

Wikidata ID

Q63851254

You may be interested in

Loading Results