Hope [reverse]

c. 1488

Niccolò Fiorentino

Associated Names
Niccolò Fiorentino

Artist, Florentine, 1430 - 1514

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a relief of a standing figure wearing a draped garment, with hands clasped together. Above the figure, rays of light appear to be shining down. There is an inscription in a language resembling Latin on the perimeter of the coin. The surface of the coin shows signs of aging and wear, with a pitted texture and tarnished metal. The detailing on the figure's clothing and facial features showcases the craftsmanship of the coin's design.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 8.9 cm (3 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 175.36 gr (0.387 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1271.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture features a profile relief of a woman's face and upper torso, set within a circular medal or medallion. The woman is depicted with a serene expression, and she wears a headdress that covers her hair, along with a gown that has ornamental details at the neckline. The material of the sculpture appears to be bronze, as indicated by its brownish-gold color with some darkened areas suggesting age or patina. There is intricate detailing in her hair and clothing. Surrounding the profile, there is an inscription along the outer edge of the medallion. The medallion is designed to resemble a coin, with raised reliefs and text.

Nonina Strozzi, Wife of Bernardo del Barbigia [obverse]

Niccolò Fiorentino

1488

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. 301, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: ISPERO INDEO; across center: AN XXIIII

Wikidata ID

Q63854550

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