The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families
This commemorative birth tray (desco da parto) celebrates the birth of Lorenzo de’ Medici (1449–1492), future ruler of Florence as well as a poet and patron of the arts. Knights extend their hands in allegiance to an allegorical figure of Fame, who holds a sword and winged cupid (symbolizing celebrity through arms and love). Painted by the younger brother of Masaccio, it was kept in Lorenzo’s private quarters in the Medici palace. The tradition of commissioning trays like this derived from the custom of presenting sweetmeats to the new mother.
(reverse of birth tray)
The armorial device here is that of Lorenzo de’ Medici’s father, Piero: a diamond ring with three ostrich feathers and a banderole with the motto "Semper" (forever). Piero married Lucrezia Tornabuoni in 1444 and their first son, Lorenzo, was born in 1449; the two families’ coats of arms are at the top.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families
- Artist: Giovanni di ser Giovanni Guidi (called Scheggia) (Italian, San Giovanni Valdarno 1406–1486 Florence)
- Date: ca. 1449
- Medium: Tempera, silver, and gold on wood
- Dimensions: Overall, with engaged frame, diameter 36 1/2 in. (92.7 cm); recto, painted surface, diameter 24 5/8 in. (62.5 cm); verso, painted surface, diameter 29 5/8 in. (75.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase in memory of Sir John Pope-Hennessy: Rogers Fund, The Annenberg Foundation, Drue Heinz Foundation, Annette de la Renta, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Richardson, and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gifts, Wrightsman and Gwynne Andrews Funds, special funds, and Gift of the children of Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Logan, and other gifts and bequests, by exchange, 1995
- Object Number: 1995.7
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
Audio
5219. The Triumph of Fame; (reverse) Impresa of the Medici Family and Arms of the Medici and Tornabuoni Families, Part 1
NARRATOR: This splendidly decorated tray was made around 1449 to celebrate the birth of a son and heir to the Medici – the most powerful family in Florence. The child would later become known as Lorenzo the Magnificent – and the tray’s imagery seems to anticipate his illustrious future. Curator Andrea Bayer.
ANDREA BAYER: Here at the center, we see the Triumph of Fame. ... And that is what is being shown here through this allegorical figure who stands atop a globe, while around her are knights who have come to all swear their allegiance. ... They refer, in this case, to the fame that the young Lorenzo the Magnificent was expected to bear throughout his life as the male heir to the Medici name, fortune and position in the city. A circle of ostrich feathers surround the inner landscape. ... These are one of the emblems of Lorenzo's father Piero, who chose them because of their strength and stiffness. And that was the impression that Piero himself wanted to make. Many mothers at the time in Florence would have received such a birth tray in recognition of the great moment of the birth of their child. But none would have received one as grand, as important and as unusual in its subject matter, as this one.
NARRATOR: The back of the tray is decorated with the heraldic devices of the Medici, and of the Tornabuoni – Lorenzo’s mother’s family. To hear how “birth trays” were used in fifteenth century Florence while you look at the reverse side, press play.
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