Roundel with a Mounted Falconer and Hare

Unknown

12th–13th century, with early 20th-century additions · Gypsum plaster; modeled, painted, and gilded · Islamic Art

This piece speaks to a “transformation” trend of the early twentieth century: the “improvement” (if not forging) of artifacts. The addition of polychromy and gilding was common, but analyses can prove twentieth-century intervention only if the pigments are modern. For instance, the cobalt blue and the gold powder on this roundel are modern, while the lapis, cinnabar, and vermillion could be modern or medieval.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th–13th century, with early 20th-century additions

Medium

Gypsum plaster; modeled, painted, and gilded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1937