Johann Friedrich, 1503-1554, Elector of Saxony 1532 [obverse]

1535

Hans Reinhart the Elder

Associated Names
Hans Reinhart the Elder

Medalist, German, c. 1510 - 1581

The sculpture features a man depicted in a relief on a round medal. He is shown holding a sword upright and dressed in ornate clothing with intricate patterns and textures. His beard and hair are detailed, and the material appears metallic with a silver-like sheen. Surrounding the portrait are engraved inscriptions on the border of the medal. The sculpture is relatively small, similar in size to a large coin.

Media Options

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

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.51 cm (2 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 66.65 gr (0.147 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1201.a

Associated Artworks

The image shows a sculpture of a coin or medal with an intricate design. In the center, there is a double-headed eagle with spread wings. Below the eagle, there is a shield divided into segments with various symbols. The outer edge of the coin has inscribed text encircling the central motif. The sculpture is metallic silver and appears to be made from metal, possibly silver. The design suggests historical or heraldic themes, with a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Shield with Helms and Crests [reverse]

Hans Reinhart the Elder

1535

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. 605.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 148, no. 15.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 741, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: IOANN[E]S FRIDERICVS ELECTOR DVX SAXONIE FIERI FECIT ETATIS SVAE 32; upper center on collar, traces: Alles in Ehren kann Niemand wehren

Wikidata ID

Q63854652

You may be interested in

Loading Results