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Medallion - The Legend of the King of Mercia and the Daughters of William Albanac
  • The Legend of the King of Mercia and the Daughters of William Albanac
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The Legend of the King of Mercia and the Daughters of William Albanac

  • Object:

    Medallion

  • Place of origin:

    France (made)

  • Date:

    18th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Bronze

  • Credit Line:

    Salting Bequest

  • Museum number:

    A.491-1910

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

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This plaquette depicts the legend of the King of Mercia and the daughters of William of Albanac.
Alfred III visited William and was struck by the beauty of his three daughters. The next day the father brought the three daughters naked before the King, and declared that if he wished to seduce one he would kill them all, but that if he wanted to marry one he might make his choice. The King married the second daughter. The composition recalls the Judgement of Paris, and is probably a historicising relief of the 18th century echoing the style of 16th centuty reliefs.

Physical description

In the foreground the King of Mercia lies asleep on the ground; behind him stand the three daughters in flowing robes, the furthest to the right wearing the gown open in front. To the left is a running fountain and above it the figure of William of Albanac appearing half-length in cloud, crowned and holding the orb and sceptre.

Place of Origin

France (made)

Date

18th century (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Bronze

Dimensions

Diameter: 5.3 cm

Object history note

From the Salting bequest.

Descriptive line

Medallion, bronze, the Legend of the King of Mercia and the Daughters of Albanac, French, probably 18th century

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 79
Weber, I. Deutsche, Niederländische und Französische Renaissance Plaketten. Munich, 1975, pp 415-416, no. 1054

Production Note

Previously thought to be Netherlandish.

Materials

Bronze

Subjects depicted

Alfred III of Mercia (King); Of Albanac, William

Categories

Sculpture; Myths & Legends; Coins & Medals; Plaques & Plaquettes

Collection code

SCP

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Qr_O89824
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