Personification of Asia
Unknown Artist
1580–90
Medium
Lead and gilding.
Dimensions
Diameter: 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
German
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1960
Accession Number
60.70.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Personification of Asia*, crafted by an unknown German artist between 1580 and 1590, is a finely detailed plaquette—a small, collectible relief popular during the Renaissance for its portability and sculptural appeal. Measuring just 6 7/8 inches in diameter, it belongs to the tradition of medals and plaquettes housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative collection, acquired through the Rogers Fund in 0. Fashioned from lead and enhanced with gilding, medium lends a subtle luster that evokes luxury despite lead's relative softness, which allowed ...