This is a photograph of a bronze medallion with intricate designs and inscriptions. The medallion features a central motif of military and musical objects, including a helmet, a trumpet, and other instrument-like figures, set against a radiating background. Below this scene, there are decorative architectural elements that frame an inscription which includes text and some initials. The edges of the medallion are decorated with floral and leafy motifs in relief. The presence of green patina suggests age and historical significance.
Read the visual description

This is a photograph of a bronze medallion with intricate designs and inscriptions. The medallion features a central motif of military and musical objects, including a helmet, a trumpet, and other instrument-like figures, set against a radiating background. Below this scene, there are decorative architectural elements that frame an inscription which includes text and some initials. The edges of the medallion are decorated with floral and leafy motifs in relief. The presence of green patina suggests age and historical significance.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Altar of Fame [reverse]

Georg Christian Waechter

Date
1770
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 5.9 cm (2 5/16 in.) gross weight: 85.6 gr (0.189 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
2002.146.19.b
Credit line
Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Baroque
  • German
  • allegory
  • Fame
  • Medals
  • struck
  • Altar
Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2002 to NGA.

Inscription

on the altar front: TIRE / D'APRES NATURE / AU CHATEAU / DE FERNEY. / .C.WAECHTER; in exergue: GRAVÉ / M.DCCLXX.

NGA object ID 126835. 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.