
Read the visual description
The image shows a round medallion sculpture with intricate relief work. At the center, there is a pillar with an angelic figure holding a wreath and wearing flowing garments. Surrounding the pillar are small human figures engaged in a maritime scene with cannons, ship sails, and flags inscribed with heraldic symbols. The background features a detailed depiction of the sea, sky, clouds, and flying cherubs. The medallion is bronze in color, with raised and engraved elements creating a contrast in texture. The design is reminiscent of historical commemorative pieces, suggesting a carefully crafted narrative involving maritime elements and possibly commemorating a historical event.
National Gallery of Art · Sculpture
Allegorical Monument to the Liberation of Messina [reverse]
Giovanni Martino Hamerani
- Date
- 1678
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- overall (diameter): 4.7 cm (1 7/8 in.) gross weight: 43.68 gr (0.096 lb.) axis: 12:00
- Classification
- Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
- Accession number
- 2002.9.1.b
- Credit line
- Gift of Ted Dalziel, Jr., in honor of his parents, Mary Morris Dalziel and George T. Dalziel, Col., USAF, Ret.
- Time span
- 1651 to 1700
- Department
- CSD
Subjects and terms
- Baroque
- Roman
- cast
- Messina
- monument
- allegory
Provenance
Art market (Portobello Road), London; purchased 1960 by Ted Dalziel, Jr.; gift 2002 to NGA.
Inscription
on base of monument: HAC / DVCE / CVNCTA / PLA / CENT (Here [by us] happily reunited)
NGA object ID 123546. 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.