Figure embodying "Gold"

3D Model

3D scan of a statue representing the metal “Gold”. An androgynous figure rises from the gold-bearing quartz crystal at the base of the caryatid. It presents a crown and a necklace with a pendant on a ceremonial cushion. Gold is thus depicted as the ‘King of Metals’ and a symbol of supreme worldly power.

The figure was created by Rudolf Weyr (1847-1914) and is part of the decorative program in Hall IV of the Natural History Museum Vienna.

Object: Gold– King of Metals

Collection: Natural History Museum Vienna (contact: Stefanie Jovanović-Kruspel)

Find out more about the NHMW here

Scanned and edited by Anna Haider (NHMW)

Scanner: Artec Leo

Contribution to the digitization project „Einsichten in die gesellschaftspolitische Dimension des NHMW über die Jahrhunderte von der Prägung des Wissenschafts-Verständnisses bis zum Nationalpark in der Lobau“ funded by the BMWKMS.