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Satirical Head of a Cardinal [reverse]

German 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a small, round medallion with a suspension loop at the top, featuring a relief of a side profile of a human face. The figure depicted is wearing a hat, with visible details such as a prominent brim and a tied ribbon or cloth extending downwards at the back. The material of the sculpture appears to be metal, with a bronze or dark copper color, giving it an antique appearance. The face and headwear are stylized, with simple lines and forms. The medallion is relatively small, likely designed to be worn as a pendant or charm. The surface of the sculpture suggests it may have been handled frequently or aged over time.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1540
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
4049 × 4751 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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