Provenance

Leonard Baskin

Baskin, Leonard Mr.

American, 1922 - 2000

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See all 53 works of art
This is a photograph of a decorative medallion or coin. The medallion features a central table with ornate legs and a surface supporting several symbolic objects. On the table is an hourglass, a candle in a holder, and an open book with the text "DEO OPtIMO MAX". Surrounding the main imagery is a border of beads and Latin text that reads "VITA MORTA LIUM VIGILIA." Below the table, a date of "1871" is inscribed. The entire piece has an aged, bronze-like appearance. The craftsmanship illustrates attention to detail and legacy.
Jacques Jonghelinck, Memento Mori [reverse], 1571, silver, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.11.b

Memento Mori [reverse]

Jacques Jonghelinck · 1571 · silver ·  Accession ID  1992.55.11.b

The sculpture is a relief portrait on a coin, featuring a man in profile facing right. He appears to be an older man with curly hair and a beard, wearing textured clothing. An inscription around his head reads "VIGLIUS ZVICHEMUS AB AYTA LV." The coin, likely bronze, has a brown color with highlights and shadows. The relief design and lettering are finely carved, resembling historical medallions. The coin's surface shows signs of wear, adding to its historical look.
Jacques Jonghelinck, Viglius van Aytta of Zuichem, 1507-1577, Lawyer and Humanist [obverse], 1571, silver, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.11.a

Viglius van Aytta of Zuichem, 1507-1577, Lawyer and Humanist [obverse]

Jacques Jonghelinck · 1571 · silver ·  Accession ID  1992.55.11.a

This is a painting of two figures. One is seated and playing a musical instrument, while the other stands nearby. The painting features intricate details, with two nude figures depicted in classical style. The seated figure appears to be playing a long, slender instrument, while the standing figure leans against an ornate structure. The background is dark, emphasizing the figures' detailed anatomy. The composition is surrounded by a circular frame with gold accents, and the word "ORPHEUS" is inscribed above. The painting uses chiaroscuro technique to create a contrast between light and shadow.
French 16th Century, Hat-Badge with Apollo and Marsyas (or possibly Orpheus), mid 16th century, enamel on copper, Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin in honor of Nicholas Penny and Mary Wall, 2007.150.3

Hat-Badge with Apollo and Marsyas (or possibly Orpheus)

French 16th Century · mid 16th century · enamel on copper ·  Accession ID  2007.150.3

The image shows a seated figure holding a staff. The scene is detailed, with the figure sitting on a structure. Another figure in the foreground is holding a cylindrical object. The background is filled with various elements and figures, adding depth to the image. The figures are depicted with fine lines and hatching for texture and shadows.
Albrecht Altdorfer, The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil, c. 1520/1526, engraving on laid paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.77.1

The Revenge of the Sorcerer Virgil

Albrecht Altdorfer · c. 1520/1526 · engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1984.77.1

This is a drawing of an ancient military scene. The scene depicts a group of soldiers carrying a trophy, which appears to be a head mounted on spears, as they are surrounded by onlookers and other soldiers. To the left, a procession of cavalry and infantry with banners and musical instruments is visible, with one figure gesturing towards the central gathering. In the foreground, a man is kneeling with his arms raised in a gesture, while a dog stands nearby. The background contains a distant cityscape with towers and buildings under a cloudy sky. On the right, there is a mountainous area with trees, and some animals can be seen in a fenced area. The drawing is executed in a detailed, line-based style, using a sepia-toned wash to add shading and depth.
Anonymous Artist, The Triumph of David, c. 1700, pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper, Gift of Leonard Baskin, 1971.14.1

The Triumph of David

Anonymous Artist · c. 1700 · pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1971.14.1

This is a drawing of a camel with elaborate gear accompanied by two running dogs. The image features a standing camel with ornate equipment including blankets, a spear, and small ornaments. The camel is detailed with fur textures and accurate proportions. Two dogs are depicted at the bottom of the drawing in motion. The scene implies a desert setting with minimal background. The drawing style resembles classic pen-and-ink illustrations.
Rodolphe Bresdin, The Camel, pen and ink tracing, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 1973.14.1

The Camel

Rodolphe Bresdin · · pen and ink tracing ·  Accession ID  1973.14.1

The sculpture on the coin depicts a scene with a reclining figure. The figure has a muscular torso and flowing hair, and points towards a detailed backdrop that includes a depiction of a landscape or a cityscape with buildings, trees, and possibly mountains or clouds in the distance. The imagery is encircled by a border with inscribed text reading "TRANSILVANIA:CAPTA". The coin is made of metal, likely bronze, giving it a warm, brownish color with a metallic sheen. The details are intricately carved, and the slight relief of the design provides a textured surface. The sculpted figures are portrayed in a classical style, with attention to anatomical detail. The scene appears to be historical or mythological in nature, showing a detailed composition with intricate artistry.
Annibale Fontana, Conquest of Transylvania [reverse], c. 1562, bronze, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.9.b

Conquest of Transylvania [reverse]

Annibale Fontana · c. 1562 · bronze ·  Accession ID  1992.55.9.b

The image shows a round, embossed medal featuring the profile of a man with a long beard and curly hair. The man is wearing ornamental clothing with intricate patterns. The medal appears to be made of copper or bronze-colored material. There is text inscribed along the outer edge of the medal. The man's profile is raised from the surface.
Annibale Fontana, Giambattista Castaldi, 1493-after 1565, Count of Piadena and Cassano [obverse], c. 1562, bronze, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.9.a

Giambattista Castaldi, 1493-after 1565, Count of Piadena and Cassano [obverse]

Annibale Fontana · c. 1562 · bronze ·  Accession ID  1992.55.9.a

This is a bronze medallion with a side profile portrait of an older man with a beard and a patterned robe. The inscription around the edge reads "GREGORIVS XIII PONT MAX ANNO I VBILEI." The medallion showcases detailed relief work on the robe and facial features. The bronze color and aged patina give it an antique look.
Giovan Federico Bonzagni, Gregory XIII (Ugo Buoncompagni, 1502-1585), Pope 1572 [obverse], 1575, struck bronze, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.12.a

Gregory XIII (Ugo Buoncompagni, 1502-1585), Pope 1572 [obverse]

Giovan Federico Bonzagni · 1575 · struck bronze ·  Accession ID  1992.55.12.a

The sculpture on this bronze medallion depicts a scene of a figure in elaborate robes knocking down a brick wall with the help of an assistant. Surrounding them are onlookers, some in distinctive headgear. An angelic figure above the scene directs light towards the central figures. The bronze medallion has a braided border and an inscription that reads "DOMVS DEI ET PORTA COELI 1575." The scene conveys action and purpose against a backdrop of architectural and natural elements.
Giovan Federico Bonzagni, Opening of the Porta Santa [reverse], 1575, bronze, Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin, 1992.55.12.b

Opening of the Porta Santa [reverse]

Giovan Federico Bonzagni · 1575 · bronze ·  Accession ID  1992.55.12.b

Bibliography

1980

  • Jaffe, Irma B. The Sculpture of Leonard Baskin. New York, 1980.

2000

  • Barnes, Bart. "Sculptor, Graphic Artist Leonard Baskin, 77, Dies." The Washington Post, 6 June 2000: B6.