Orpheus [obverse]

c. 1893

Marie-Alexandre-Lucien Coudray

Associated Names
Marie-Alexandre-Lucien Coudray

Medalist, French, 1864 - 1932

The sculpture is a relief on a circular medal, featuring a detailed bust of a person with long, flowing hair and a serious expression. The figure is adorned with a laurel wreath entwined with their hair. They have a finely chiseled face and are depicted holding a musical instrument, likely a lyre. The material of the sculpture is bronze. A signature, "OUDINÉ," is visible on the right side.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.84 cm (2 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 156.59 gr (0.345 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1992.55.24.a

Associated Artworks

The image features a circular sculpture with a winged figure at the center, likely an angel or cherub. The figure is seated and reclining with an extended arm holding onto a musical staff or baton. Below the figure is an inscription that reads "Claude Debussy 1er Prix." The sculpture is made of a bronze-colored metal with intricate details including a violin and sheet music. The craftsmanship reflects traditional methods and artistic aesthetics, giving the sculpture an elegant and timeless appearance.

1e Prix: Claude Debussy [reverse]

Marie-Alexandre-Lucien Coudray

1893

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1992 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1979

  • Jones, Mark. The Art of the Medal. London, 1979: 130, repro.

1989

  • Kosinski, Dorothy. Orpheus in Nineteenth Century Symbolism. London and Ann Arbor, 1989: 87, repro.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 674, repro.

Inscriptions

center right, L C in monogram: L COUDRAY

Wikidata ID

Q63860961

You may be interested in

Loading Results