Saint Dorothy (?)

late 15th/early 16th century

Italian 15th/16th Century

Associated Names
Italian 15th/16th Century

Artist

The sculpture features a circular medallion with a relief of a figure with a halo around their head. The figure is shown in robes, holding a palm or leafy branch in one hand, and a scroll or document in the other. The sculpture is made out of a dark, metallic material that gives it an antique appearance. There are hints of wear and age visible on the surface. The detail work is evident in the lines and folds of the robes and the distinct features of the face. The overall weathered texture suggests exposure to the elements or age. The color palette is monochromatic, primarily dark gray and black. The recessed relief style creates a historic and solemn visual impact.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    nielloed silver

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    diameter (without border): 2.7 cm (1 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.119

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Trivulzio Collection, Milan, by 1844 until after 1927.[1] (Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, 1878-1955, Rome and Florence);[2] purchased 26 June 1935 by Samuel H. Kress (1863-1955), New York; gift 27 September 1950 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[3] gift 1961 to NGA.
[1] Laura Aldovini, I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo, Milan, 2021:209.
[2] The bill of sale included sculptures, maiolicas, furniture, antique velvets, paintings, and enamels, for a total of one hundred objects. Copy in NGA curatorial files. See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, (https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/acquisitions/ACQ143).
[3] An affidavit of 21 August 1956 by Herbert L. Spencer, executive director, Samuel H. Kress Foundation, states the Trivulzio collection of nielli and enamels were given by Samuel H. Kress to the Foundation on 27 September 1950; original in National Gallery of Art Archives. Secretary and General Counsel Records – Major Donor Files; copy in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1874

  • probably Esposizione storica dell’arte industriale, Salone dei Giardini di Porta Venezia, Milan, 1874, no. 47 or no. 49.

Bibliography

2021

  • Aldovini, Laura. I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo. Milan, 2021: 198, 208-209, 264, 295, 303, no. 29, pl. VII.

Wikidata ID

Q63854455

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