Allegory of Vanitas
Medal
1535-1540 (made)
1535-1540 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a lead medal, made by Lorenz Rosenbaum (active 1535-1563) in South Germany, in about 1535-1540, depicting an allegory of Vanitas. This plaquette derives from an engraving by Bartel Beham.
The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. At first glance this might appear to represent the Virgin and Child. However, the presence of the hourglass and skull show that it is a vanitas scene, a reminder of the transience of life.
The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. At first glance this might appear to represent the Virgin and Child. However, the presence of the hourglass and skull show that it is a vanitas scene, a reminder of the transience of life.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Allegory of Vanitas (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Lead |
| Brief description | Medal, lead, depicting an allegory of Vanitas, by Lorenz Rosenbaum, South Germany, ca. 1535-1540 |
| Physical description | Lead medal depicting an allegory of vanitas. A mother nurses her child. The skull and bones, and hourglass are reminders of death. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Provenance: Tross. 140 medals and reliefs were purchased from M. Henri Tross of Paris for £500 by J.C. Robinson for the Museum in 1867. |
| Historical context | This plaquette derives from an engraving by Bartel Beham |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is a lead medal, made by Lorenz Rosenbaum (active 1535-1563) in South Germany, in about 1535-1540, depicting an allegory of Vanitas. This plaquette derives from an engraving by Bartel Beham. The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. At first glance this might appear to represent the Virgin and Child. However, the presence of the hourglass and skull show that it is a vanitas scene, a reminder of the transience of life. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 107-1867 |
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| Record created | October 15, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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