Robert-Joseph Pothier, 1699-1772, Jurist and Professor [obverse]

1823

Mathias-Nicholas-Marie Vivier

Associated Names
Mathias-Nicholas-Marie Vivier

Medalist, French, 1788 - c. 1859

The image shows a sculptural relief on a circular medal depicting the profile of an older man with a prominent nose and curly, shoulder-length hair. He is dressed in a high-collared garment, suggesting formal attire, and the relief is crafted from a metallic copper-colored material. The man’s head is turned to the right with a neutral, focused expression. The border of the medal is inscribed with the text "J. POTHIER NAT. AURELIAE M. DC. XCIX. OB. M. DCC. LXXII.". The level of detail and craftsmanship gives an impression of a historical artifact.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5 cm (1 15/16 in.)
    gross weight: 65.3 gr (0.144 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    2002.146.18.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a bronze medal with two allegorical figures. One figure holds a wreath and scales, symbolizing justice, while the other holds a cross, possibly symbolizing faith. Between them is a pedestal with an urn, an open hand emblem, and a horn. The medal is made of bronzed metal and has an inscription "UTRIQUE VITAM IMPENDIT." Other motifs include books with inscriptions and symbols like a small cross.

Justice and Faith [reverse]

Mathias-Nicholas-Marie Vivier

1823

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2002 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. 895, repro.

Inscriptions

on the truncation: VIVIER F.; around circumference: R.J.POTHIER.NAT.AURELIAE.M.DC.XCIX.OB.M.DCC.LXXII; below the bust: DUMAREILLE EDIDIT

Wikidata ID

Q63861962

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