Giambattista Castaldi, 1493-after 1565, Count of Piadena and Cassano [obverse]

c. 1562

Attributed to Annibale Fontana

Associated Names
Annibale Fontana

Medalist, Milanese, 1540 - 1587

The image shows a round, embossed medal featuring the profile of a man with a long beard and curly hair. The man is wearing ornamental clothing with intricate patterns. The medal appears to be made of copper or bronze-colored material. There is text inscribed along the outer edge of the medal. The man's profile is raised from the surface.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.49 cm (1 3/4 in.)
    gross weight: 28.15 gr (0.062 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1992.55.9.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the coin depicts a scene with a reclining figure. The figure has a muscular torso and flowing hair, and points towards a detailed backdrop that includes a depiction of a landscape or a cityscape with buildings, trees, and possibly mountains or clouds in the distance. The imagery is encircled by a border with inscribed text reading "TRANSILVANIA:CAPTA". The coin is made of metal, likely bronze, giving it a warm, brownish color with a metallic sheen. The details are intricately carved, and the slight relief of the design provides a textured surface. The sculpted figures are portrayed in a classical style, with attention to anatomical detail. The scene appears to be historical or mythological in nature, showing a detailed composition with intricate artistry.

Conquest of Transylvania [reverse]

Annibale Fontana

1562

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1992 to 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. 511, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: IO[annes].BA.CAS[taldus].V.CAES[aris].FER[dinand].RO.REG.E.BOE[miae].RE[qis].EXERGIT[us, sic].DVX.; under truncation: ANIB

Wikidata ID

Q63860673

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