John Locke, 1632-1704, Philospher [obverse]
c. 1733
![John Locke, 1632-1704, Philospher [obverse] by Jean Dassier](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/john-locke-1632-1704-philospher-obverse-nga-160852.webp)
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.24 cm (1 11/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Faya Causey in memory of Philip Conisbee
Accession Number
2012.108.1.a
Art Historical Context
This finely crafted bronze medal, titledJohn Locke, 1632-1704, Philos* (obverse), the influential English Enlightenment thinker John Locke, whose ideas on empiricism, government by consent, and individual rights shaped modern philosophy and democracy. Created around 1733 by Swiss medalist Jean Dassier, captures Locke's likeness nearly three decades after his death, reflecting the era's admiration for intellectual giants. Measuring just 4.24 cm in diameter this intimate sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance revival of portrait medals, blending classical portraiture with contemporary portraiture...