A Circular Medallion With the Immaculate Conception
Medium
Drawing
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-5634
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Fortunato Duranti, a skilled Italian artist active from the late 18th to mid-19th century, created *A Circular Medallion With Immaculate Conception* sometime between 1820 and 1850. This drawing captures a revered Catholic theme: the Immaculate Conception, the Virgin Mary as sinless from the moment of her conception—a doctrine central to devotional art in Italy during this era. Rendered in the intimate format of a circular medallion it evokes the elegance of cameos, intaglios, or religious medals, blending piety with refined decorative design. As a drawing in the Smithsonian American Art Museu...