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The Nativity with Saints thumbnail 2
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The Nativity with Saints

Plaquette
ca. 1513-23 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This plaque is made by Lautizio Perugia from the impression of a seal of Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, who became afterwards Pope Clement VII.

In 16th century Rome, new cardinals marked their elevation by commissioning spectacular and elaborate seals with inscriptions broadcasting their new titles. The goldsmith Lautizio da Perugia was unrivalled in his craft and was responsible for nearly all the Cardinal's seals in Rome at this time.

Lautizio da Perufia was a goldsmith in Rome. In 16th century Rome, new cardinals marked their elevation by commissioning spectacular and elaborate seals with inscriptions broadcasting their new titles. The goldsmith Lautizio da Perugia was unrivalled in his craft and was responsible for nearly all the Cardinal's seals in Rome at this time.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Nativity with Saints (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Plaquette, bronze, the Nativity with Saints, by Lautizio da Perugia, Italy (Rome), ca. 1517-25
Physical description
This vesica-shaped plaque depicts a group in low relief of the Virgin and three Saints. Below is a shield of the Medici family, with an inscription. The Virgin kneels in the foreground worshipping the Child, behind her to the right is St. Peter, to the left St. Paul, in the centre St. Laurence. Shepherds are grouped in front of a background of architecture, above which appear God the Father and the dove. In the exergue angels support a cardinal's hat and a shield with the Medici arms.
Dimensions
  • Length: 10.79cm
  • Width: 6.66cm
Marks and inscriptions
'IVlius TiTulo Sancti Laurentiii IN. DAMaso PresByteR CARdinalis DE . MEDicis Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae VICE - CANcellarius THVSCIAE . BONoniae QuE LEGATus (Inscribed around the rim.)
Object history
Bought in London, 1 l, 15s in 1863.
Historical context
In 16th century Rome, new cardinals marked their elevation by commissioning spectacular and elaborate seals with inscriptions broadcasting their new titles. The goldsmith Lautizio da Perugia was unrivalled in his craft and was responsible for nearly all the Cardinal's seals in Rome at this time.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plaque is made by Lautizio Perugia from the impression of a seal of Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, who became afterwards Pope Clement VII.

In 16th century Rome, new cardinals marked their elevation by commissioning spectacular and elaborate seals with inscriptions broadcasting their new titles. The goldsmith Lautizio da Perugia was unrivalled in his craft and was responsible for nearly all the Cardinal's seals in Rome at this time.

Lautizio da Perufia was a goldsmith in Rome. In 16th century Rome, new cardinals marked their elevation by commissioning spectacular and elaborate seals with inscriptions broadcasting their new titles. The goldsmith Lautizio da Perugia was unrivalled in his craft and was responsible for nearly all the Cardinal's seals in Rome at this time.
Bibliographic references
  • Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1863. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 46
  • Maclagan, Eric. Catalogue of Italian Plaquettes . London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1924, p. 20
  • Wixom, William D. Renaissance Bronzes from Ohio Collections, Cleveland Museum of Art, 1975, no 28
  • Sotheby's New York, European Works of Art, Arms and Armour, Furniture and Tapestries, 14th June 1996, lot 235
Collection
Accession number
7799-1863

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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