Italian, Venice
Medallion: Two Confronted Pheasants or Partridges, 12th century-13th century (or possibly a modern imitation of a medieval design)
Stone , 26.7 cm (10 1/2 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This Italian round, gray stone medallion depicts two birds posed face-to-face in relief. The medallion has a thin plain border and a smooth background. The details of the birds are fairly well-defined. The birds are shown in profile with their backs to the outside of the medallion facing inward. Their beaks and feet touch near the top and bottom of the medallion, respectively. The birds appear to be identical, with features of the same size, shape, and proportion. They each have a long beak, round head, and oval shaped body. Markings on the body likely indicate wings and feathers. The birds have long legs with claw feet and a blunt rectangular tail of about six feathers.
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.