Shield, Cuirass, Casque, and Crest [reverse]

1541

Matthes Gebel

Associated Names
Matthes Gebel

Artist, German, c. 1500 - 1574

The sculpture features a circular emblem with a central design depicting a figure surrounded by ornate patterns and symbols. There is embossed lettering around the outer edge. The metallic pendant is silver in color with a polished finish. It includes a loop for attachment. The intricate detailing and raised relief indicate craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it aesthetically and functionally valuable.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver//With ring

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (height with suspension loop): 4.26 cm (1 11/16 in.)
    overall (diameter without loop): 3.68 cm (1 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 21.36 gr (0.047 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1197.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a detailed profile of a man with a beard, wearing a cap or hat. The man is depicted with a high collar. The sculpture is silver and has a metallic sheen. It appears to be made from a material like silver or a silver-colored metal alloy. The sculpture functions as a pendant, with a loop at the top for attaching a chain or cord. It features inscriptions around its border. The overall shape is circular with a raised relief of the man in profile.

Wilhelm Löffelholz von Kolberg, 1501-1554, Patrician of Nuremberg [obverse]

Matthes Gebel

1541


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: 2:no. 729, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: VNVERSVCHT VNERFARN ANNO MDXXXXI

Wikidata ID

Q63854750

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