Untitled 1776 - 1800

Jean-Baptiste Nini crafted this terracotta medallion in the 18th century, presenting a profile portrait set against a circular field. Circular portraits have a rich history, echoing ancient coins that conveyed power and status. Consider the act of portraiture itself. It's more than just capturing a likeness; it's about immortalizing an individual, preserving their essence for posterity. This impulse stretches back to antiquity, evident in Roman portrait busts and Egyptian sarcophagi. The profile view, a convention used since antiquity, reappears on Renaissance medals and continues to evolve. The weight of collective memory plays a crucial role here. The simple act of creating a portrait taps into our deepest desires to connect with the past and leave our mark on the future. This medallion, seemingly simple, engages us on a profound, subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience.