Bust of Hans Heinrich Rahn
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
last quarter of 16th century
This object is an oval portrait medallion carved from boxwood, created by an unknown maker in Germany during the last quarter of the 16th century. Measuring 5.71 cm in length and 4.44 cm in width, it is categorized among coins, medals, and portraiture.
The carving depicts a relief portrait bust of an aged man, identified in museum records as representing Hans Heinrich Rahn (1593–1669), who later served as the mayor of Zürich from 1655 to 1669. The subject is shown facing slightly toward the viewer, featuring prominent facial lines, a full beard, a moustache, and short hair. He wears a large, pleated ruff collar alongside a textured fur or fur-trimmed mantle over a buttoned garment.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The medallion was formerly part of the Tross Collection. In 1867, it was purchased for the museum along with a group of 140 medals and reliefs from M. Henri Tross of Paris by J.C. Robinson for £500.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved boxwood medallion
- Dimensions
- Length: 5.71 cm; Width: 4.44 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- Germany
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- bust of Hans Heinrich Rahn
- Museum object number
- 182-1867
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.