The sculpture on the coin features a relief of a human figure in a reclining or fallen pose, with one arm reaching upwards. The background of the relief includes an architectural structure with columns on the right and foliage or possibly a tree on the left. The material of the sculpture appears to be metal, with the color being a weathered bronze or copper, exhibiting an aged patina. The sculpture, being part of a coin, is of a small, circular shape and is designed to be viewed up close, revealing intricate details despite its size. The border of the coin is beaded, and there is an engraving around the edge.
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The sculpture on the coin features a relief of a human figure in a reclining or fallen pose, with one arm reaching upwards. The background of the relief includes an architectural structure with columns on the right and foliage or possibly a tree on the left. The material of the sculpture appears to be metal, with the color being a weathered bronze or copper, exhibiting an aged patina. The sculpture, being part of a coin, is of a small, circular shape and is designed to be viewed up close, revealing intricate details despite its size. The border of the coin is beaded, and there is an engraving around the edge.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Allegory of Music [reverse]

Milanese 16th Century

Date
c. 1550
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 5.39 cm (2 1/8 in.) gross weight: 43.83 gr (0.097 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
1999.109.17.b
Credit line
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Milanese
  • Music
  • arts and sciences
  • allegory
Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1999 to NGA.

Inscription

around circumference: QVAE TIBI DEBETVR GRATIA NON MIHIMET

NGA object ID 110721. 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.