Comment on Thorvaldsen's Small Silver Head - A Ruined Tondo Portrait
[The author’s note in the text] Regarding its origin — as with the origin of the Roman portrait — there are, however, conflicting views, cf. R. Winkes, Clipeata Imago (Diss.), Bonn 1969, p.8f. Winkes’ own definition (cf. p. 61) is more concerned with function than form. For this reason he does not include miniature tondi, unless they are set on a standard. In reality Winkes is arguing in a circle.
Last updated 26.11.2015