Composite Head Formed of Phalluses [reverse]

16th century

Probably Venetian 16th Century

Associated Names
Venetian 16th Century

Medalist

The sculpture is a round medallion or pendant with a relief profile of a head. The head has distinct features like a pronounced nose and lips, with a textured surface resembling hair or headgear made of tendril-like shapes. The material seems to be bronze with a reddish-brown patina and patches of gold or gilded highlights. There is a small hole near the top for hanging.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze, partially gilded

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.09 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 39.3 gr (0.087 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    2003.154.10.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a relief portrait of a man shown in profile facing left. The man has distinct facial features, including a prominent nose, a strong jawline, and detailed, textured hair. His attire includes a piece of draped fabric over his shoulders with a visible fastener at the shoulder. The sculpture is round and made of a brownish metal, likely bronze, with an aged appearance including areas that are smoother and areas that show a darker patina. There is a small hole at the bottom of the sculpture, suggesting it might have served as a medallion or was intended to be mounted or worn. The craftsmanship of the piece suggests intricate detailing of the subject's features.

Head of a Satyr [obverse]

Venetian 16th Century

1500

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2003 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 816, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63861610

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