Death and Peace Closing the Door of the Temple of Janus [reverse]

16th century

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin depicts a small domed structure with columns and two figures standing inside or near the structure. The dome appears to have a textured surface. The coin shows signs of aging, with a rough texture and some green patina. There is an inscription around the perimeter of the coin, although it is worn and not fully legible.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.61 cm (1 13/16 in.)
    gross weight: 48.04 gr (0.106 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1116.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring the bust of a female figure. The subject is depicted in a frontal pose with her head slightly tilted, displaying long, flowing hair. The attire appears to be loosely draped around her shoulders, accentuating the form of her upper body. The sculpture is crafted from a material resembling aged bronze, evidenced by its dark, metallic color with patches of patina, giving it a rugged texture. The medallion includes inscriptions around the perimeter. The three-dimensional relief of the bust stands out against the flat surface of the medallion, lending it a sense of depth and realism.

Elvira, Daughter of Consalvo de Córdoba [obverse]

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

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 594, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: TEMPLVM BELLI PAC[is]

Wikidata ID

Q63851260

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