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Auction: 390 - Renaissance Plaquettes and Commemorative Medals featuring the Neil A. Goodman Collection - e-Auction
Lot: 154

ITALIAN (Rome, ca. third quarter 16th Century)
Vittoria Colonna d'Avalos (ca. 1490-1547), Marchesa di Pescara. Medal. Uniface. Bronze, 49mm. VICTORIA.COLVMNIA.DAVALA., Draped bust left, her hair in front in a fancy twist and flowing behind. Pollard NGA 565. Scioness of one of Italy's richest, most powerful families, Vittoria moved in literary circles from an early age. A gifted poet, she became one of the most influential women of the Renaissance -- seen as exemplary by her contemporaries and later commentators. After the death of her husband, Fernando Francesco d'Avalos, from wounds he suffered at the Battle of Pavia in 1525, Vittoria never remarried and dedicated herself to her poetry. She met Michelangelo in the 1530s and the two established a celebrated friendship.
Believed to be a posthumous portrait, the fanciful depiction of her here with flowing hair and costume all'antica may allude to her fame as a poet and her role as muse to Michelangelo. The example here and the National Gallery specimen share a common source and are identical in detail, style and form. Deep glossy brown patina. An Extremely Fine likely contemporary cast.
From the Neil A. Goodman Collection

Sold for
$160

Starting price
$140