Summary

Copy in two halves of a medal of Ercole d'Este. The original medal was made between 1485 and 1500, artist unknown. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. Of the original medal the King's Library catalogue (p.22) states: "The edge of the obv. and the whole of the rev. have been filed down in order that the medal might be set in a rim."

The original medal was acquired by the British Museum and later exhibited in the King's Library in 1881. It is No. 46 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.

Ercole I dEste was Duke of Ferrera from 1471 till 1505

Obverse Description

Bust of Ercole I facing left in armour and wearing a cap; around, . HERCVLES . DVX . FERA . MV . ET

Reverse Description

Minerva standing facing, a spear in her right hand and resting her left hand on a shield decorated with a gorgon head; around above, . MINERVA .

Edge Description

Plain

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