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

Mathias-Nicholas-Marie Vivier

National Gallery of Art

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.