Artwork
Medallion with the Face of Christ

Medallion with the Face of Christ is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1390 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Created in 1380, this anonymous work is classified as a painting within the religious art genre.
Created in 1380, this anonymous work is classified as a painting within the religious art genre. The piece depicts the face of Christ and is rendered on a support measuring 8.2 cm in height and 3.3 cm in width. While the specific painting medium and condition are not detailed in the available records, the formal qualities are defined by its small, medallion format and its function as a devotional image. The work is currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
The Medallion with the Face of Christ is an anonymous religious painting dated to 1380. This work, classified as a painting depicting Christ, was created during the late fourteenth century. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Medallion with the Face of Christ is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The institution serves as the current location for this anonymous religious painting, which depicts Christ and dates to 1380. While the work's dimensions are recorded as 8.2 by 3.3 units, the available sources do not provide a specific inventory or accession number for the piece. Furthermore, no information regarding the exhibition history of this medallion is present in the provided records.
Overview
This circular object, titled Medallion with the Face of Christ, presents a sculpted visage crafted from a warm, amber-like material. Its compact, rounded form suggests it was intended for personal interaction, perhaps to be held or worn rather than merely exhibited. The piece conveys a sense of intimacy through its scale and tactile quality, inviting close contemplation of the depicted subject.
Subject & Meaning
The medallion depicts a serene male face, identified as Christ, characterized by a beard and mustache, along with short, curly hair. A calm expression emanates from the features, complemented by slightly sunken, dark eyes and a subtle smile on the lips. This portrayal emphasizes a gentle and approachable aspect of the religious figure, consistent with devotional imagery.
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