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Fortune and Virtue Sailing a Boat [reverse]

Pier Paolo Galeotti

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a detailed relief on a circular coin or medallion, depicting two figures in a boat. One figure is a nude male standing at the front, holding a sail aloft as the wind presumably fills it. Behind him, a clothed female figure is seated, steering the boat with a long oar. The boat itself features ornate, curling ends, and the base of the sculpture displays stylized waves. Above the scene, the inscription "OPTANDA NAVIGATIO" is engraved. The entire sculpture is composed of a bronze or bronze-like material, giving it a warm, golden-brown color against the dark background.

Artwork Details

Date
1556
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
3408 × 3408 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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