Ten-Headed Monster Preying on Two Nude Bodies [reverse]
1672
![Ten-Headed Monster Preying on Two Nude Bodies [reverse] by Pierre Aury](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/ten-headed-monster-preying-on-two-nude-bodies-nga-108158.webp)
Medium
silver
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 7.27 cm (2 7/8 in.) gross weight: 113.46 gr (0.25 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
1998.108.1.b
Art Historical Context
Behold the striking reverse of a silver medal crafted by French medallist Pierre Aury in 1672: *Ten-Headed Monster Preying on Two Nude Bodies*. Measuring just 7.27 cm in diameter and weighing 113.46 grams, this intimate sculpture exemplifies the exquisite medal-making tradition of Louis XIV's France, where such luxury objects served as portable art for collectors, commemorating events or exploring mythic themes. Aury's design captures a nightmarish Baroque fantasy—a multi-headed beast devouring two nude figures in a whirl of dynamic tension. The ten heads evoke classical monsters like the Hyd...