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The image shows a relief on a round medal with multiple figures interacting. The central figure is gesturing towards a group of standing figures wearing classical armor. The sculpture is made of a metallic material, likely bronze, with a polished finish. Fine details depict the figures in dynamic poses. Text is inscribed around the border of the medal. The subject appears historical or mythological, common in commemorative or decorative medallions.
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The image shows a relief on a round medal with multiple figures interacting. The central figure is gesturing towards a group of standing figures wearing classical armor. The sculpture is made of a metallic material, likely bronze, with a polished finish. Fine details depict the figures in dynamic poses. Text is inscribed around the border of the medal. The subject appears historical or mythological, common in commemorative or decorative medallions.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Abraham and His Captains Met by Melchizedek [reverse]

Roman 16th Century

Date
1582
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 6 cm (2 3/8 in.) gross weight: 74.54 gr (0.164 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
1998.108.20.b
Credit line
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Roman
  • Old Testament
  • religious
  • Abraham
  • cast
  • Captains
  • Melchizedek
Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1998 to NGA.

Inscription

around circumference: VT.ERVAT.PRAEDAM CAP TIVORVM.FRATRVM; in exergue: ABRAHAM.TRECENTOS / VERNACVLOS / EXPEDITOS.NVMBRAT

NGA object ID 108146. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.