Hourglass on an Inscribed Tablet [reverse]

Matthes Gebel

Associated Names
Matthes Gebel

Artist, German, c. 1500 - 1574

The sculpture is a round medallion or seal featuring intricate designs. At the center, there is a raised rectangular section with inscriptions, possibly in Latin, surrounded by decorative elements such as floral or vine motifs. Above the rectangular section, there is a small central relief showing a figure of a person. The perimeter of the medallion contains more inscriptions forming a circular border. The sculpture appears to be made of bronze or a similar metal, giving it a silver-gray coloration. The craftsmanship reflects a historical or classical style, and the sculpture seems to serve as a commemorative or decorative piece that is relatively flat, resembling a large coin or medal when viewed from our perspective.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lead

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.1 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 21.89 gr (0.048 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.1294.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a profile portrait of a man wearing a cap, looking to the right. The man has a prominent nose and defined chin, with detailed features and clothing etched into the surface. It is displayed on a circular medallion. The color of the sculpture is metallic silver, indicating it is likely made from a metal such as silver or pewter. The material has a slightly rough texture with visible scratches and aging marks, enhancing its antique appearance. There is an inscription in a circular format around the edges of the medallion. The overall appearance is reminiscent of historical coinage or medallions.

Lorenz Truchsess von Pommersfelden, 1473-1543, Dean of the Cathedral of Mainz [obverse]

Matthes Gebel

1503

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. 725, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: PERICVLVM IN FALSIS FRATRIBVS; around top circumference: MICHIHODIE CRAS TIBI; across center on tablet: CONFVNDANTVR / S VPERBI QVIA / INIVSTE INIQVITATEM / FECERVNT IN M

Wikidata ID

Q63854758

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