Part of a Sword Pommel (Centaur Supporting Medallion; Venus Flanked by Mars and Hercules)
1401 to 1500
Medium
bronze//Light brown patina
Dimensions
overall: 3.78 x 3.65 cm (1 1/2 x 1 7/16 in.) gross weight: 33.52 gr (0.074 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.227
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze sword pommel, by the renowned Italian goldsmith and medallist Caradossooppa between 1401 and 150, exemplifies the Renaissance with classical mythology and virtuoso metalwork. Measuring just 3.78 x 3.65 cm and weighing a mere 33.52 grams, it once adorned the hilt of a nobleman's sword, blending martial function with artistic splendor. Caradosso, active in Milan and later Rome under papal patronage, was celebrated for his intricate medals and small sculptures that revived ancient motifs with humanist elegance. The pommel's design features a dynamic centaur supporting a med...