The oval-shaped bronze medallion features a scene with human figures and a winged figure above. In the background, there is a structure resembling a classical building or temple with a triangular pediment. The material appears to be dark and tarnished, likely bronze, with a reddish-brown hue. The surface has a textured appearance, indicative of age and wear. The sculpted figures are in relief, protruding from the background, and appear to be partaking in a procession or gathering. There is a small hole at the top of the medallion, suggesting it may have been designed to be hung or worn. The figures are in classical attire, reminiscent of draped robes in ancient Greco-Roman depictions.
Read the visual description

The oval-shaped bronze medallion features a scene with human figures and a winged figure above. In the background, there is a structure resembling a classical building or temple with a triangular pediment. The material appears to be dark and tarnished, likely bronze, with a reddish-brown hue. The surface has a textured appearance, indicative of age and wear. The sculpted figures are in relief, protruding from the background, and appear to be partaking in a procession or gathering. There is a small hole at the top of the medallion, suggesting it may have been designed to be hung or worn. The figures are in classical attire, reminiscent of draped robes in ancient Greco-Roman depictions.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Antique Marriage Scene

Valerio Belli

Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (oval): 5.6 x 4.5 cm (2 3/16 x 1 3/4 in.) gross weight: 26 gr
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1942.9.177
Credit line
Widener Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • courtship
  • genre
  • Marriage
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Cupid
  • Venus
  • Vicenza
Provenance

Oscar Hainauer [d. 1894], Berlin; his wife, Julie Hainauer, Berlin; acquired 1906 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); by exchange 21 October 1920 to Joseph E. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.

NGA object ID 1337. 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.