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The sculpture is a round bas-relief medallion featuring two figures in classical attire. Both figures are seated, with one resting her hand on the side of a dog. The second figure holds a vessel or goblet. There is a detailed depiction of a bird, possibly a swan, stretching its neck upwards. The piece is rendered in bronze, showcasing its craftsmanship. Latin inscriptions are visible along the sides of the medallion.
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The sculpture is a round bas-relief medallion featuring two figures in classical attire. Both figures are seated, with one resting her hand on the side of a dog. The second figure holds a vessel or goblet. There is a detailed depiction of a bird, possibly a swan, stretching its neck upwards. The piece is rendered in bronze, showcasing its craftsmanship. Latin inscriptions are visible along the sides of the medallion.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Allegory of Vigilance and Loyalty [reverse]

Massimiliano Soldani Benzi

Date
1680
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.) gross weight: 67.57 gr (0.149 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
2001.131.8.b
Credit line
Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Florentine
  • Baroque
  • virtues and vices
  • allegory
  • Loyalty
  • Vigilance
Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2001 to NGA.

Inscription

around circumference: AETRVSCO IOVI.1680; lower edge: SOLDANVS

NGA object ID 123248. 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.