Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia, c. 1431-1503), Pope 1492 [obverse]

c. 1492

Roman 15th Century

Associated Names
Roman 15th Century

Artist

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring the profile of a man in elaborate attire. The medallion has a rich golden-brown tone. The man depicted has a prominent nose and high forehead, and he is facing left. The intricate details in his clothing include ornate patterns and textures. Surrounding the profile is an inscription with the words "ALEXANDER VI PONT MAX." The top of the medallion has a small circular hole.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Edward E. MacCrone Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.65 cm (2 1/4 in.)
    gross weight: 61.06 gr (0.135 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1992.39.1.a

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a bronze-colored circular medallion featuring a detailed depiction of a castle with towers and flags. The medallion displays elaborate engravings showing a three-towered fortress with a central round turret and two outer cylindrical turrets, each surmounted by a flag. The fortress sits above a symbolized moat, with architectural details meticulously carved to suggest solidity and grandeur. Encircling the entire design is an inscription that appears to be in Latin.

Castel Sant' Angelo [reverse]

Roman 15th Century

1492

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Eugène Piot [1812-1890], Paris; (his sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 21-24 and 27-30 May 1890, no. 640). Baron Adalbert von Lanna [1836-1909], Prague; (his estate sale, Rudolph Lepke's Kunst-Auctions-Haus, Berlin, 16-19 May 1911, 1st day, no. 141); Hermann Vogel [1841-1917], Chemnitz; by descent in the Vogel family; (sale, Sotheby's, London, 9-10 April 1992, 2nd day, no. 461); purchased by (Cyril Humphris, Ltd., 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. 264, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: .ALEXANDER.VI.PONT.MAX.IVST.PACIS.Q.CVLTOR.

Wikidata ID

Q63860663

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