Summary

Copy of a medal of Giovanni Tornabuoni in two halves. Original medal by an unknown artist 'in the manner of Niccolo Fiorentino' in about 1484. This British Museum electrotype made by Robert Ready circa 1881. The original medal was acquired by the British Museum and later exhibited in the King's Library in 1881. It is No. 57 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.

Giovanni di FrancescoTornabuoni was a Florentine banker and statesman. He was uncle of Lorenzo the Magnificent, and a great supporter of the house of the Medici. He was gonfaloniere in 1482, and ambassador to Rome in 1484. He was director of the Medici bank in Rome and treasurer of Pope Sixtus IV.

Obverse Description

Bust of Giovanni facing right, in plain tunic, bare-headed; around, . IOANNES . TORNABONVS . FR . Fl .

Reverse Description

Hope, hands joined, looking right towards symbol of Trinity radiate; around, . FIRM AVI .

Edge Description

Plain

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