Portrait of a man medallion
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1690-1710
This object is an oval portrait medallion carved from ivory, housed in a matching piqué case. The relief depicts a man in profile facing to the right. He is shown wearing a long, loosely curled wig, a mantle draped over armour, and a loosely knotted scarf tied around his neck.
The accompanying piqué case is made of leather decorated with a swirling pattern composed of silver studs inlaid directly into the surface. The ivory carving alone measures 3.8 cm in height, while the case measures 4.1 cm in height and the overall width is 3.5 cm. Produced in France circa 1690–1710, the medallion was executed in the style of the French sculptor and medallist Jean Cavalier.
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
Small ivory portrait medallions were fashionable during the 17th and 18th centuries, commonly carved from elephant or walrus ivory. While frequently displayed in glass cases, some were treated as portable medallions provided with individual fitted cases, such as the piqué case accompanying this portrait. The piece was gifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, F.S.A., in 1938.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Ivory
- Dimensions
- Height (case): 4.1 cm; Width: 3.5 cm; Height (ivory alone): 3.8 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Cavalier, Jean
- Place recorded
- France
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
- Portrait of a man
- Museum object number
- A.20-1938
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.