Oval Medallion with the Head of Silenus (?) c. 1715 - 1730

Ignatius van Logteren made this marble medallion, depicting the head of Silenus, in the early 18th century. Marble, a metamorphic rock, has been prized by sculptors since antiquity, yet its material properties present a challenge. The stone is relatively soft, allowing for detailed carving, but it is also prone to chipping and cracking, demanding great skill from the artist. Van Logteren has used various chisels and rasps to bring forward Silenus’s features from the flat plane of the medallion. The smooth, polished face contrasts with the roughly hewn hair and beard, creating a dynamic interplay of textures. The circular frame, also made of marble, further enhances the sculpture's visual appeal, providing a sense of depth and enclosure. Consider the labor involved in extracting, transporting, and carving this stone. The work has a refined aesthetic, yet its making is directly tied to the physical labor of quarrymen and the technical skill of the sculptor. Recognizing this connection is essential to understanding the object, reminding us that even the most seemingly refined artworks have humble origins in material and making.