Ouroboros Encircling the Winged Helmet of Mercury and the Head of Athena [reverse]

Francesco Putinati

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture features a circular medallion. At the bottom, there is a side profile of a classical figure wearing a helmet. Above this profile, an inscription reads "AL SECOLO DECIMO NONO" meaning "TO THE NINETEENTH CENTURY." At the top, there is a depiction of a winged helmet. The medallion is a brown color, suggesting bronze material. The outer edge has a braided border. The medallion has a smooth finish and is flat.