Truth
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 17th century-early 18th century
This cast bronze medallion measures 13 cm in diameter and features an allegorical depiction of Truth. The recorded design shows an allegorical figure represented as a naked boy set within a niche. The niche is flanked by a laurel branch and a lamp. The youth rests his left hand on the lower portion of a column, holds a mirror in his right hand, and tramples on a mask with his right foot. The entire composition is encircled by a beaded border.
The piece bears an inscription reading 'APERTO VIVERE VOTO' (translated as 'to live with a vow open(ed)'), as well as the signature 'HT' located below the central figure. The reverse displays a hollowed, concave cast impression corresponding to the relief figure and niche. While formerly attributed to the Florentine sculptor, architect, medallist, and writer Girolamo Ticciati and dated between the late 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, the maker remains unknown. It is also suspected that the medallion could originate from late 19th-century England.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The medallion was given to the museum by the National Art Collections Fund and was recorded in acquisitions in 1908.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Cast bronze
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 13 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: inscribed; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: 'APERTO VIVERE VOTO'; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: 'to live with a vow open(ed)'; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: signature below; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: 'HT'; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Truth
- Museum object number
- 523-1908
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.