Joseph II, 1741-1790, Holy Roman Emperor 1765 [obverse]
![Joseph II, 1741-1790, Holy Roman Emperor 1765 [obverse] by Johann Martin Krafft](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/joseph-ii-1741-1790-holy-roman-emperor-1765-nga-103343.webp)
Medium
gilded bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.96 cm (1 15/16 in.) gross weight: 44.51 gr (0.098 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1997.114.17.a
Art Historical Context
Behold the obverse of this exquisite gilded bronze medal portraying Joseph II (1741–1790), Holy Roman Emperor from 1765, crafted by Johann Martin Krafft 1773. Measuring just under 5 cm in diameter and weighing a substantial 44.51 grams, this small-scale sculpture captures the enlightened ruler during a pivotal era of Habsburg reform. Joseph II, successor to his mother Maria Theresa, championed progressive policies inspired by Enlightenment ideals, including religious tolerance and administrative modernization, making him a symbol of imperial innovation. Krafft, a skilled medalist of the late ...