Italian, Venice
Medallion: Eagle in Frontal View Clutching a Serpent, 13th century
Stone , 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This circular stone medallion features a relief carving of a frontal view of an eagle clutching a serpent. Most of the composition is taken up by the eagle with a large egg shaped body and partially outstretched wings which bend down after the joint to mimic the curve of the circle. The body of the eagle is densely carved with feathers. The details of the face of the eagle appear to be almost entirely worn away. The eagle has a serpent clasped in its talons and its tail feathers are visible behind the serpent. The serpent loops around itself between the Eagle’s talons and the end of its tail flips up, but otherwise it has few details besides two pinprick eyes. The whole carving is encircled with five thin round borders, starting with a plain border and alternating with a striped raised border.
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.