Charles de Secondat, Baron of La Brède and Montesquieu, 1689-1755, Philosophical Historian [obverse]

Jacques Antoine Dassier

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a detailed portrait of a man's profile, depicting the head and upper chest. The subject has short, wavy hair and is facing left. The sculpture is rendered in relief on a circular disc. The material appears to be a dark metal with a warm patina, likely bronze or copper, giving it a reddish-brown color with hints of gold highlights where the relief catches the light. The edge of the disc is inscribed with the text "CAROL·DE·SECONDAT BARO DE MONTESQUIEU." The overall appearance is that of a commemorative medallion or plaque, presenting a classic and dignified rendition of the individual in a traditional style associated with portrait medallions.