Hephaestos
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
Diam.: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
143887
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite copper medal *Hephaestos* (1890) by French artist Ferdinand Levillain, master medallist whose intricate works captured the imagination of late 19th-century collectors. Measuring just 5.7 cm in diameter, this petite masterpiece from the Art Institute of Chicago Department of Painting and Sculpture of depicts the Greek god Hephaestus, divine blacksmith and craftsman, symbolizing the artistry of metalworking itself. Levillain's design likely showcases the god amid his forge, evoking myths of volcanic fire and divine ingenuity. Crafted in copper—a durable yet malleable medium...