Pegasus Soaring above Parnassus [reverse]

c. 1815

after Johann Gottfried Schadow

Associated Names
Anonymous Artist

Medalist

Johann Gottfried Schadow

Artist After, German, 1764 - 1850

The sculpture is a round, flat relief depicting Pegasus, the mythical winged horse. Pegasus is shown in a dynamic pose with its wings spread wide and forelegs raised. The material of the sculpture appears to be a bronze or similar metal, with a reddish-brown color and a polished finish. The surface features raised lettering along the top curve of the circle. The detail in the sculpture brings out the texture of Pegasus's mane, wings, and muscular form, presenting a highly detailed and artistic representation in a compact circular format.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 9.11 cm (3 9/16 in.)
    gross weight: 246.61 gr (0.544 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    2000.158.15.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion depicting a side profile of a man's head and upper neck in relief. The subject has a prominent nose, firm chin, and curly hair. The sculpture is made of a smooth, reddish-brown material, likely bronze. There are small spots on the surface. The background is a simple, flat surface. The overall effect is a classic profile portrait similar to ancient coins or medals.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832 [obverse]

Anonymous Artist

1809


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2000 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. 934, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference in Greek: (Now then, to flight, my dear poetic steed!)

Wikidata ID

Q63861594

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