Summary

Copy in two halves of a medal of Lorenzo de' Medici ( the Magnificent) of Florence. The original medal was made pre 1494 by Niccolo Fiorentino. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal was acquired by the British Museum and later exhibited in the King's Library in 1881. It is No. 32 in the catalogue of that exhibition. It is thought that this electrotype was produced in association with that exhibition and publication and acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria where it was displayed in the mid 1880s.

"Lorenzo de' Medici (1 January 1449 - 9 April 1492) was an Italian statesman and de facto ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance. Known as Lorenzo the Magnificent (Lorenzo il Magnifico) by contemporary Florentines, he was a diplomat, politician and patron of scholars, artists, and poets. He is perhaps best known for his contribution to the art world, giving large amounts of money to artists so they could create master works of art" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_de'_Medici

Obverse Description

Bust of Lorenzo the Magnificent facing left, in tunic, bare-headed; around, . MAGNVS . LAVRENTIVS . MEDICES .

Reverse Description

Florence seated beneath palm-tree facing right holding three lilies in her right hand ; across field, [. FLOR]ENTIA .; around, . TVTELA .PATRIE .

Edge Description

Plain

More Information