Leda and the Hatpin thumbnail 1
Leda and the Hatpin thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

Leda and the Hatpin

Medal
1999 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This art medal shows how contemporary artist Linda Crook found inspiration in Greek myths. The classical legend of Leda and the Swan is given a new twist in this piece-- freeing Leda from the 'victim' role by making the Swan Leda's prey.

In 'Leda and the Hat Pin' we see the concluding episode of the story, hitherto unpublished. The swan is unable to escape being made into a fancy hat--which Leda tidies up nicely with a hat pin. The reverse of the medal shows that the hat pin might be a feather plucked from the swan.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleLeda and the Hatpin (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Silver, cast, with dark patination
Brief description
Medal, silver cast, with dark patination, 'Leda and the Hat Pin', a reworking of the classical myth, Leda and the Swan, by Linda Crook, England (London), 1999
Physical description
Medal, 'Leda and the Hat Pin', silver, cast, with dark patination. Leda of the classical legend with the Swan, but given a new twist to show the Swan as the victim of Leda.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 7.5cm
  • Depth: 0.8cm
Object history
Purchased from the artist in 2003.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This art medal shows how contemporary artist Linda Crook found inspiration in Greek myths. The classical legend of Leda and the Swan is given a new twist in this piece-- freeing Leda from the 'victim' role by making the Swan Leda's prey.

In 'Leda and the Hat Pin' we see the concluding episode of the story, hitherto unpublished. The swan is unable to escape being made into a fancy hat--which Leda tidies up nicely with a hat pin. The reverse of the medal shows that the hat pin might be a feather plucked from the swan.
Bibliographic references
  • Trusted, Marjorie, ed. The Making of Sculpture. The Materials and Techniques of European Sculpture. London: 2007, p. 91, pl. 158
  • The Medal, Spring 2000, no. 36, pp 127-128, ill. p. 128
Collection
Accession number
A.6-2003

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Record createdJanuary 16, 2004
Record URL
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