This is a photograph of a silver coin-like object with intricate designs. The coin features an elaborate coat of arms in the center, with detailed scrollwork and a helmet with a decorative plume above it. The outer edge of the coin is inscribed with text in an old script. The surface of the coin has a slightly worn texture, giving it an antiquated appearance. The photograph captures the intricacy of the carvings and the reflective metallic sheen of the coin against a plain black background.
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This is a photograph of a silver coin-like object with intricate designs. The coin features an elaborate coat of arms in the center, with detailed scrollwork and a helmet with a decorative plume above it. The outer edge of the coin is inscribed with text in an old script. The surface of the coin has a slightly worn texture, giving it an antiquated appearance. The photograph captures the intricacy of the carvings and the reflective metallic sheen of the coin against a plain black background.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Arms and Inscription [reverse]

German 16th Century

Date
16th century
Medium
lead
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 3.94 cm (1 9/16 in.) gross weight: 28.78 gr (0.063 lb.) axis: 11:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
1957.14.1302.b
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Renaissance
  • personal
  • symbol
  • Blazon of arms
Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his heirs; purchased with the entire Dreyfus collection 9 July 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London, New York, and Paris); sold 31 January 1944 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[1] gift 1957 to NGA. [1] The Duveen Brothers Records document the firm’s sixteen year pursuit and eventual acquisition of the Dreyfus collection, which included paintings, sculptures, small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes. Bequeathed as part of his estate to Dreyfus’ widow and five children (a son and four daughters), who had differing opinions about its disposition, the collection was not sold until after his widow’s death in April 1929. Duveen did not wish to separate Dreyfus’ collection of small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes, and it was sold intact to the Kress Foundation for a price that was met by installment payments every three months. (Duveen Brothers Records, accession number 960015, Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles: reel 301, box 446, folders 3 and 4; reel 302, box 447, folders 1-6; reel 303, box 448, folders 1 and 2; reel 330, box 475, folder 4.) See also George Francis Hill’s discussion "A Note on Pedigrees" in his catalogue, _The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Renaissance Medals_, Oxford, 1931: xii, which was commissioned by Duveen Brothers.

Inscription

around circumference: NON EST PRVDENCIA NON EST CONSILIVM CON DOMINVM MDXX

NGA object ID 45564. 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.