Italian, Venice
Medallion: Two Addorsed Hounds, 12th century
Marble , 35.6 cm (14 in.)
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This round Italian marble medallion depicts two dogs which are carved within a concave circle with a narrow lip around the top. The animals are in high relief, their bodies lightly carved suggesting eyes, ears, fur and collars around their necks. Their hind and front feet are planted on the upward curving opposite sides of the circular medallion with their backs to one another. Their heads and necks are craned around at the top of the circle so that their snouts and lips appear to interlock. A small marble semi-circle sits on the inside bottom of the medallion, but does not touch the hounds above.
Courtyard
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.