The Head of Medusa

early 16th century

North Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture depicts a round medallion featuring a central figure with a human face surrounded by serpentine hair, possibly representing the mythological Medusa. Flanking this central figure are two smaller, naked human figures, likely cherubs, each positioned to the left and right with their arms extended towards the center. The medallion is made of dark brown material, likely bronze or a similar metal, giving it an antique and textured finish. The subject's expression is neutral, looking outward towards the viewer, and the intricate details of the hair and figures add depth. The piece has a small hole at the top, which suggests it may have been intended for hanging or attachment.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Medium brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.) gross weight: 26 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.336


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol.II, 212.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: no. 363.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 116, no. 19.

Wikidata ID

Q63814769

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