Laureate Head of Alexander I of Russia

Unknown

ca. 1810–20 · Onyx · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Much like their ancient prototypes, the rival emperors are wreathed in laurel. The pinkest blush in Alexander’s onyx (40.20.25) hints at corporeality, while the drab ocher sardonyx of Napoleon (40.20.46), by contrast, suggests a rather joyless military man.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1810–20

Medium

Onyx

Culture

probably Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Milton Weil Collection, 1940