Double-headed Crowned Eagle on the Pillars of Hercules [reverse]
1542
![Double-headed Crowned Eagle on the Pillars of Hercules [reverse] by Ludwig Neufahrer](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.artheonmuseum.org%2Fnga%2Fthumb%2Fdouble-headed-crowned-eagle-on-the-pillars-of-nga-45384.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Medium
pewter//Struck?
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.13 cm (1 5/8 in.) gross weight: 19.58 gr (0.043 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1200.b
Art Historical Context
This striking pewter medal, created by the German artist Ludwig Neufahrer in 1542, exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of commemorative sculpture in miniature form. Measuring just over four centimeters in diameter, the piece was struck rather than cast, allowing for crisp details on its reverse side. Classified as sculpture despite its coin-like scale, it belongs to the rich practice of medal-making that flourished across Europe during the sixteenth century, when such objects served as portable tokens of status, alliance, or achievement. The imagery of a double-headed crowned eagle position...