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Auction: 390 - Renaissance Plaquettes and Commemorative Medals featuring the Neil A. Goodman Collection - e-Auction
Lot: 37

WORKSHOP or FOLLOWER OF FRANCESCO RAIBOLINI (ca, 1450-1517), called FRANCIA
Jupiter. Oval plaquette, Bologna ca. 1510-1520. Bronze, 77.3 x 43mm. Jupiter seated in a chariot drawn left by eagles, Pisces symbol above, Sagittarius symbol below, floral ornaments around. The composition is related to the reverse design of Francia's medal of Cardinal Francesco degli Alidosi, which is dated to the period between 1505-1510. Despite variation, Jupiter is similarly shown in an eagle-drawn chariot accompanied by Pisces and Sagittarius - Jupiter's astrological signs. On the present plaquette, only the astrological symbols for the two are used, while the rendering of the centaur is very similar in both works.
Francia trained as a goldsmith and in 1482 was first enrolled in the Bologna guild. Highly prolific and well-regarded for his work, Francia executed designs not only for the ruling Bentivogli family, but for other princely courts such as the Este of Ferrara and the Gonzaga of Mantua. The ornamental lozenge-shaped relief of this plaquette and its foliate embellishments are suggestive of a jewel and it is possible that this bronze preserves the design of a lost original in precious metal. Possibly unique and unpublished. Twice pierced. A Very Fine old cast.
From the Neil A. Goodman Collection