Jacques de Vitry-La Lière, died 1515, Canon, Dean, and Chancellor [obverse]
1518
![Jacques de Vitry-La Lière, died 1515, Canon, Dean, and Chancellor [obverse] by Medalist of 1518](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.artheonmuseum.org%2Fnga%2Fthumb%2Fjacques-de-vitry-la-lire-died-1515-canon-dean-and-nga-45260.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.) gross weight: 39.86 gr (0.088 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1126.a
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal, created in 1518 by the anonymous Medalist of 1518, commemorates Jacques de Vitry-La Lière, a prominent church official who served as Canon, Dean, and Chancellor before his death in 1515. Measuring just under two inches in diameter, the obverse likely features a portrait of the deceased cleric, a common format for Renaissance commemorative medals that served as portable tributes to notable figures. Such medals emerged as an important art form in the early 16th century, blending classical Roman coinage traditions with contemporary portraiture. Crafted in durable bronze, they ...