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This is a photo of a medal. The medal features a muscular, kneeling figure holding a celestial globe on their back. The globe is decorated with constellations and stars. The Latin inscription "PAR VIRTUS ONERI" is on the medal, along with the year "1715." The medal has an aged patina, indicating it is likely made of bronze or a similar alloy, with detailed engraving and relief work.
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This is a photo of a medal. The medal features a muscular, kneeling figure holding a celestial globe on their back. The globe is decorated with constellations and stars. The Latin inscription "PAR VIRTUS ONERI" is on the medal, along with the year "1715." The medal has an aged patina, indicating it is likely made of bronze or a similar alloy, with detailed engraving and relief work.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Atlas Supporting the Heavens [reverse]

Jean Le Blanc

Date
1715
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.15 cm (1 5/8 in.) gross weight: 31.97 gr (0.07 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
1997.114.19.b
Credit line
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Time span
1701 to 1725
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • classical
  • mythology
  • struck
  • Atlas
Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1997 to NGA.

Inscription

around circumference: PAR VIRTUS ONERI. (Virtue equal to his burden); in exergue: 1715.

NGA object ID 103321. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.