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.
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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.