She-Griffin of Perugia
Pisanello, Italian, 1395 - 1455
about 1441
Bronze
Overall: 3 7/16 × 3 7/16 × 3/16 in. (8.7 × 8.7 × 0.5 cm)
Weight: 194 g (0.4 lb.)
Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth: Bequest of Wallace D. Bradway, Class of 1947
2022.19.32
Geography
Place Made: Italy, Europe
Period
1400-1600
Object Name
Medal
Research Area
Sculpture
Not on view
Label
Medals were essential communicators of dynastic ambitions in northern Italian court cities. Rulers such as the d’Este and Malatesta families began as mercenary generals (condottieri) who sought to transform their military proficiency into permanent political positions. By the 15th century, both families were well established. Artistic exchange was key to their self-image and intermarriage. The visual language of their medals strengthened the families’ claims to power by celebrating powerful alliances, monumental building initiatives, praiseworthy virtues, connections to historical and contemporary rulers, and even divine vows.
From the 2024 exhibition Living with Sculpture: Presence and Power in Europe, 1400–1750, curated by Elizabeth Rice Mattison, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Academic Programming and Curator of European Art, and Ashley B. Offill, Curator of Collections
Course History
History 42.01, Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies 22.01, Gender & European Society, Patrick Meehan, Spring 2024
History 96.39, Saints and Relics, Cecilia Gaposchkin, Spring 2024
Italian 1.01, Introductory Italian I, Noemi Perego, Spring 2024
Italian 11.01, Intensive Italian, Floriana Ciniglia, Spring 2024
Italian 2.01, Introductory Italian II, Floriana Ciniglia, Spring 2024
Italian 3.01, Introductory Italian III, Tania Convertini, Spring 2024
Italian 3.02, Introductory Italian III, Giorgio Alberti, Spring 2024
Exhibition History
Living with Sculpture: Presence and Power in Europe, 1400–1750, Citrin Family Gallery and Engles Family Gallery, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, March 23, 2024–March 22, 2025.
Provenance
Heinz Schneider (1912-1995), Cleveland, Ohio; Sotheby's, New York, 14 June 1996, lot 254; sold to Wallace D. Bradway, New Haven, Connecticut, 1996; given to present collection, 2022.
Catalogue Raisonne
Kress 4; Wixom 18
This record is part of an active database that includes information from historic documentation that may not have been recently reviewed. Information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We also acknowledge some language and imagery may be offensive, violent, or discriminatory. These records reflect the institution’s history or the views of artists or scholars, past and present. Our collections research is ongoing.
We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Please contact us at: Hood.Collections@dartmouth.edu