Summary

Copy of a medal of Pope Julius II. The original medal attributed to Cristoforo Caradosso Foppa was made in 1506 to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of St. Peter's, Rome, the reverse depicts the original Bramante design for that building. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal part of the collection of George III (Reg: G3,PMAE3.5) and was exhibited in the King's Library of the British Museum in 1881 and is No. 78 in the catalogue of that exhibition. It is thought that this electrotype as produced in association with that exhibition and publication and acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria where it was displayed in the late 1880s. The original medal is bronze.

Obverse Description

Bust of Julius II facing right, tonsured, wearing cape with incised ornament and panelled orphrey; around, IVLIVS . LIGVR . PAPA . SECVNDVS . MCCCCCVI

Reverse Description

On rocky ground, proposed front view of St. Peter's, after Bramante's design; around, TEMPLI . PETRI . INSTAVRACIO; in exergue, . VATICANVS . M .

Edge Description

Plain

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