The Artist's Father and Mother 1879 - 1898

Olin Levi Warner crafted this bronze medallion of his parents in 1879, capturing their profiles in a classical style. The familial portrait, especially in profile, echoes ancient Roman portraiture, meant to immortalize and ennoble the subjects. This harkens back to the Roman "imagines," ancestor portraits that served as powerful symbols of lineage and virtue. We see such echoes even later in Renaissance medals, where the profile becomes a way to capture not just likeness, but also the essence of an individual. Consider how this evolves: from the powerful, stoic visages of Roman emperors to the intimate portrayal of Warner's parents. The persistent profile, emerging through time, serves as a testament to our human need to remember, to honor, and to grapple with those who came before us. The image invites us to reflect on the enduring power of family and memory, emotions that resonate across generations.