Anna Maurella Oldofredi d'Iseo
late 16th century
Medium
lead
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 6.38 cm (2 1/2 in.) gross weight: 44.72 gr (0.099 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1052
Art Historical Context
In the late 16th century, artist Giovanni Battista Cambio, known as Bombarda, crafted this intimate portrait medal of Anna Maurella Oldofredi'Iseo, a noblewoman likely from the prominent Oldofredi family of Iseo in Lombardy. Measuring just 6.38 cm in diameter weighing 44.72, the lead sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of small-scale medals, which served as personal tokens, diplomatic gifts, or memorials. Lead, an uncommon choice compared to bronze or silver, suggests this may have been a working model or proof cast, allowing the artist to refine details before final production. B...