The Continence of Scipio
Plaquette
first half of 16th century (made)
first half of 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This oval bronze plaquette depicts the 'Continence of Scipio' and was made by Valerio Belli in the first half on the 16th century.
Belli (1468-1546) was born into a respected Vicentine family. He trained as a goldsmith and developed skills in engraving crystals and dies. For Pope Clement VII he created his masterpiece, a crystal casket with 24 scenes from the life of Christ, now in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence.
Belli was strongly influenced by Raphael and Michelangelo.
He had a facility to work very quickly, and Vasari noted that Belli had flooded the world with his works.
Plaquettes are small plaques made of bronze, brass, lead or precious metals. They originated in the 1440s along with the desire to reproduce coins and hardstone engravings from ancient Greece and Rome. Some were made as collectors' pieces, to be viewed and displayed in private, and others for practical purposes. They also inspired designs in other media, from architecture to bookbindings.
Belli (1468-1546) was born into a respected Vicentine family. He trained as a goldsmith and developed skills in engraving crystals and dies. For Pope Clement VII he created his masterpiece, a crystal casket with 24 scenes from the life of Christ, now in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence.
Belli was strongly influenced by Raphael and Michelangelo.
He had a facility to work very quickly, and Vasari noted that Belli had flooded the world with his works.
Plaquettes are small plaques made of bronze, brass, lead or precious metals. They originated in the 1440s along with the desire to reproduce coins and hardstone engravings from ancient Greece and Rome. Some were made as collectors' pieces, to be viewed and displayed in private, and others for practical purposes. They also inspired designs in other media, from architecture to bookbindings.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Continence of Scipio (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Cast bronze |
| Brief description | Plaquette, bronze, the Continence of Scipio, by Valerio Belli, Italy, first half of 16th century |
| Physical description | Oval Plaquette depicts: in the centre, upon a platform, a warrior in Roman costume and wearing a helmet, his head turned left, is addressing a woman; on the right a man kneeling before him, while another rests upon a lance in the background are three other figures. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Acquired in London. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This oval bronze plaquette depicts the 'Continence of Scipio' and was made by Valerio Belli in the first half on the 16th century. Belli (1468-1546) was born into a respected Vicentine family. He trained as a goldsmith and developed skills in engraving crystals and dies. For Pope Clement VII he created his masterpiece, a crystal casket with 24 scenes from the life of Christ, now in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. Belli was strongly influenced by Raphael and Michelangelo. He had a facility to work very quickly, and Vasari noted that Belli had flooded the world with his works. Plaquettes are small plaques made of bronze, brass, lead or precious metals. They originated in the 1440s along with the desire to reproduce coins and hardstone engravings from ancient Greece and Rome. Some were made as collectors' pieces, to be viewed and displayed in private, and others for practical purposes. They also inspired designs in other media, from architecture to bookbindings. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 948-1904 |
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| Record created | December 5, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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