Portrait of a Woman

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of a Woman** *Medalist A.A., half of the 16 century* Lead medal, diameter: 8.1 cm (3 3/16 in.); gross weight: 62.31 g Step into the Renaissance world with this intimate *Portrait of a Woman*, a crafted lead medal attributed to the enigmatic Medalist A.A. to the second half of the 16 century, this small-scale sculpture (8.1 cm in diameter) exemplifies the era's passion for portrait medals—collectible discs that served as personal emblems, diplomatic gifts, or memorials. Lead, an unusual choice compared to the more common bronze or precious metals, likely marks it as a trial piece or *modello*, allowing artists to refine designs before final production. These medals emerged during the Italian Renaissance, blending sculpture's three-dimensionality with the precision of engraving. Medalist A.A.'s work captures the subject's poised features with remarkable detail, reflecting humanism's focus on individual likeness and dignity. The hefty 62.31-gram weight underscores its sculptural heft, inviting close examination of texture and relief. A generous gift to the National Gallery of Art from Lisa and Leonard Baskin, this piece in the CSD Department offers a window into 16th-century artistry. Though the sitter remains unidentified, her elegant profile evokes the cultural reverence for women as muses and patrons, bridging personal portraiture with broader artistic innovation. (198 words)