Definición

• Attribute.  An object symbolic of the office, character or identity of the person – real or mythological – portrayed in a numismatic or medallic design. While most attributes are held in the hand, or about the body, others are shown nearby; or in the case of medallic art where the seated figure is so often used, the attributes are shown at the feet of the figure. Attributes are a special form of symbols and symbolism because of this ability to aid in identifying the person portrayed.
              Attributes and its related term, adjuncts, a lesser form of attribute often separated from the main device or figure, are widely used in sculpture and painting where they – along with headgear and clothing – are employed to give quick recognition to a figure that might otherwise be obscure.
              First used in religious art, where attributes were used to differentiate Saints, their use spread to other portraits in all forms of art. They are an effective design element for  coin and medal designers because of the limited space of these items.
              Cataloging Attributes.  In numismatic cataloging it is the duty of the astute cataloger to recognize the attribute and to correctly identify the person, the attribute and what it symbolizes. The wider knowledge a cataloger brings to the task the better. But for obscure or unknown persons portrayed it is necessary to consult reference works on symbolism which often identify the person connected with the symbol as an attribute.
              See also allegory and personification.
                                                                                                                                                       
  Word List  #4
   
  Some Ancient Attributes
  Bow and arrow of Cupid
  Bow and quiver of Diana
  Caduceus of Aesculapius
  Club of Hercules
  Comet of Julius Caesar
  Dog of Diana Venatrix
  Flute of Pan
  Globe of Atlas
  Grapes or Winepress of Bacchus
  Horns (two bowed) of Diana
  Lion’s skin of Hercules
  Peacock of Juno
  Trident of Neptune
  Winged foot of Mercury
  Some Modern Attributes
  Caduceus of Medicine
  Cap of Liberty
  Keys of Saint Peter
  Headdress of American Indian 
  Magnifying glass of Numismatics
  Orb of
  Scales of Justice
  Scepter of
  Spear of

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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