Abraham and His Captains Met by Melchizedek [reverse]

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze plaquette, titled *Abraham and His Captains by Melchizedek []*, captures a pivotal biblical moment from Genesis 14. Produced in Rome in 1582 by an anonymous th-century artist, it the priest-king Melchizedek blessing Abraham and his victorious captains after their battle, symbolizing divine favor and the origins of priestly traditions revered in Judeo-Christian lore. Measuring just 6 cm in diameter weighing 74.54 grams, its intimate scale invites close contemplation, much like a Renaissance pocket talisman. Crafted in bronze—a favored medium for its durability and ability to capture fine details through lost-wax casting—this relief exemplifies the technical virtuosity of Roman workshops during the late Renaissance. The "axis: 12:00" orientation, typical for medals, underscores its design as one face of a possible commemorative piece, blending classical antiquity's love of heroic narratives with Counter-Reformation piety. A gift to the National Gallery of Art from Lisa and Leonard Baskin, this rare sculpture highlights the era's fascination with small-scale bronzes as scholarly collectibles. Visitors will appreciate its narrative depth and masterful modeling, bridging ancient scripture with Renaissance humanism.