Opening of the Porta Santa [reverse]

1575

Giovan Federico Bonzagni

Associated Names
Giovan Federico Bonzagni

Medalist, Parmese, after 1507 - 1588

The sculpture on this bronze medallion depicts a scene of a figure in elaborate robes knocking down a brick wall with the help of an assistant. Surrounding them are onlookers, some in distinctive headgear. An angelic figure above the scene directs light towards the central figures. The bronze medallion has a braided border and an inscription that reads "DOMVS DEI ET PORTA COELI 1575." The scene conveys action and purpose against a backdrop of architectural and natural elements.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.89 cm (1 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 19.31 gr (0.043 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1992.55.12.b

Associated Artworks

This is a bronze medallion with a side profile portrait of an older man with a beard and a patterned robe. The inscription around the edge reads "GREGORIVS XIII PONT MAX ANNO I VBILEI." The medallion showcases detailed relief work on the robe and facial features. The bronze color and aged patina give it an antique look.

Gregory XIII (Ugo Buoncompagni, 1502-1585), Pope 1572 [obverse]

Giovan Federico Bonzagni

1575

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. 430, repro.

Inscriptions

in exergue: .DOMVS.DEI.ET. / PORTA.COELI / .1575.

Wikidata ID

Q63860857

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