Medallion

Unknown Artist

early 19th century

Medallion by Unknown Artist

Medium

Glass

Dimensions

2 5/8 × 2 1/4 in. (6.7 × 5.7 cm)

Classification

Glass-Painted

Culture

German

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Bequest of Mary Martin, 1938

Accession Number

38.145.175

Tags

MenProfilesCross

Art Historical Context

This delicate *Medallion*, crafted by an unknown German artist in the early th century, exemplifies the artistry of painted glass in European decorative traditions. Measuring just 2 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches, this petite oval piece features profiles of men alongside a prominent cross, rendered in enamel paints on glass—a technique that allowed for luminous, jewel-like effects through layered colors visible from both sides. Such small-scale works were prized for their portability and often served as personal talismans, jewelry pendants, or devotional objects during a time of religious revival in post-...

    Send Feedback

    We use this only to reply to your feedback.