Tommaso Guadagni, 1454-1533, Banker, Florentine Consul at Lyon 1505, Municipal Counselor 1506-1527, Counselor to François I 1523 [obverse]

early 16th century

French or Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
French 16th Century

Sculptor

Italian 16th Century

Sculptor

The sculpture is a round relief medallion depicting a male subject in profile, facing left. The subject appears to be wearing period attire, including a distinctive hat with a soft, rounded crown and a long, elaborately draped cloak or robe. The medallion is predominantly a warm bronze or copper color, resembling a coin or medal. Around the perimeter of the medallion, there is an inscription in the same material reading “NOBILIS THOMAS DE GADAGNIUS FLORENTINUS." The carving displays intricate details in the subject's facial features, hair, and clothing.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Molded border

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 10.31 cm (4 1/16 in.)
    gross weight: 243.62 gr (0.537 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1129.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a roundel featuring a symmetrical cross motif with four equally sized lobes that extend into decorative fringe-like edges. Each lobe tapers smoothly into a pointed end, creating an intricate floral-like pattern. The sculpture is made from a material that appears to be bronze or a similar metal, giving it a rich brown hue with natural patina and variations in tone. The sculpture is flat and circular, resembling a medallion or plaque, with a thin rim that adds depth and frames the design. The piece is presented against a plain black background.

Arms of Gaudagni [reverse]

French 16th Century, 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. 534.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 200, no. 19.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 613, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: NOBILIS THOMAS DE GVADAGNIS CIVIS FLORENTINVS

Wikidata ID

Q63851277

You may be interested in

Loading Results