Circa 1858 Sprite and Sea Serpent muling by Frederick C. Key and George H. Lovett. Musante GW-228, Baker-633A. Copper. MS-64 BN (PCGS).27.8 mm. Attractive medium brown with strong blue, violet, orange and green iridescence on both sides. Highly reflective fields and very attractive. A couple of small spots are noted on the obverse. Somewhat softly struck, with the face of the putto a bit flat. Musante notes that four were struck in silver and 20 in white metal, so it stands to reason that this is likely one of 20 or fewer produced in copper. It is a rarely seen type.<p>The intended meaning of this unusual design in the context of Lovett’s medals is unknown. Variations may be found in mosaics of ancient Rome, prints of the 16th century (particularly interesting is one by Giovanni Andrea Maglioli) and even a Delft tile of the 17th century. While it is identified by Musante as a “Sprite and Sea Serpent” it has also been referred to as “Cupid and Dolphin.” The latter is based in mythology, as Cupid is sometimes depicted riding a dolphin, but it’s probably not correct here since “Cupid” is without his usual bow, and the sea creature does not appear dolphin-like. Elsewhere, similar images have been titled simply as “Putto and Sea Monster” by art historians.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
