Emperor Claudius, 10 B.C.-54 A.D., Emperor 41-54 [obverse]

c. 1450

Varrone Belferdino

Associated Names
Varrone Belferdino

Medalist, Florentine, active before 1445 - 1457

The image depicts a relief sculpture of a profile of a classical Roman figure, likely a man, wearing a laurel wreath. The subject is depicted with a detailed hairstyle and distinct facial features, giving a realistic impression. The sculpture is set on a round medallion or coin-like object. It is made of dark metal, probably bronze, with a slightly weathered yet smooth surface and a brownish patina. The sculpture is approximately life-sized in relation to the medallion's diameter, showing the figure's attire and wreath detailing. An inscription in raised lettering surrounds the edge of the medallion.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 8.98 cm (3 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 267.04 gr (0.589 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1988.30.1.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a relief engraving on a circular medal or coin depicting several human figures. The figures are involved in a ceremonial or formal gathering, with some standing and others seated on a raised platform with steps leading up to it. The design includes accompanying inscriptions, with the most prominent reading "LIBERTAS" and "AVGVSTA." The material of the sculpture is a dark metallic bronze, giving it a rich, earthy color with some lighter highlights reflecting off the polished surfaces. The sculpture is divided into two sections, one with figures engaging in a scene and another featuring a smaller, bust-like profile of a face below with the letters “S C” flanking it. The details of the sculpture, although worn, are still discernible, providing an insight into intricate craftsmanship typical of coinage or medal art.

Claudius, Attended by Minerva and Liberalitas, Distributing Largesse [obverse]

Varrone Belferdino

1450

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Goldschmidt, Paris); purchased 1937 by J.W. Frederiks [1889-1962], The Hague; (sale, Sotheby's, London, 23-24 May 1988, 1st day, no. 6); purchased by (Cyril Humphris, London) for NGA.

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. 230, repro.

2008

  • Pfisterer, Ulrich. Lysippus und seine Freunde: Liebesgaben und Gedächtnis im Rom der Renaissance, oder, Das erste Jahrhundert der Medaille. Berlin, 2008: 103, fig. 54a.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CLAVDIVS.DRVSI.AVGX.PON.MAX.TRE.POT.DIVVS.VAPRVS.PITTOR.F.; left and right in field: S[enatus] C[onsultus]

Wikidata ID

Q63861121

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