Personifications of Truth and Justice [reverse]

1753

Jacques Antoine Dassier

Associated Names
Jacques Antoine Dassier

Medalist, Swiss, 1715 - 1759

The image shows a round medal with two figures. One figure is a seated woman holding a sword and scales, symbolizing justice. The other figure is nude, seated on clouds, holding a torch or radiant object, and a tablet. Inscriptions read "HINC IVRA," "J.A.DASSIER," and "1753." The medal is made of coppery material, creating a warm, aged appearance. The craftsmanship is detailed, depicting the figures and surrounding elements with intricate textures.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.)
    gross weight: 83.1 gr (0.183 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.6.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a detailed portrait of a man's profile, depicting the head and upper chest. The subject has short, wavy hair and is facing left. The sculpture is rendered in relief on a circular disc. The material appears to be a dark metal with a warm patina, likely bronze or copper, giving it a reddish-brown color with hints of gold highlights where the relief catches the light. The edge of the disc is inscribed with the text "CAROL·DE·SECONDAT BARO DE MONTESQUIEU." The overall appearance is that of a commemorative medallion or plaque, presenting a classic and dignified rendition of the individual in a traditional style associated with portrait medallions.

Charles de Secondat, Baron of La Brède and Montesquieu, 1689-1755, Philosophical Historian [obverse]

Jacques Antoine Dassier

1753

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1997 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. 906, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: HINC IVRA; on unrolled scroll held by Truth: IS[PR]IT DES LOIX; in exergue: 1753.; left field above exergue: I.A.DASSIER

Wikidata ID

Q63861853

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