Summary

Copy of a medal of Admiral Andrea Doria of Genoa with the artist's portrait on the reverse. The original medal, by Lione Lioni, was made in 1541. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal from the British Museum collection (Reg:M.166) was exhibited in the King's Library of the British Museum in 1881 and is No. 97 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 late 1880s. The original medal is cast silver, this epectrotype is copper plated and toned. The British Museum also holds an example of this medal in bronze from the collection of George III (Reg: G3,IP.350) which was also exhibited in 1881 but marks on the electrotype make it clear that it was taken from the silver piece and was incorrectly finished as bronze.

Andrea Doria (or D'Oria) (30 November 1466 - 25 November 1560) was an Italian condottiero and admiral from Genoa who played a key role in the re-establishment of the Genoese Republic (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Doria).
"The medal was made in 1541 at Genoa, and commemorates the release of Leone Leoni, at the instance of Doria, from the galleys to which he had been condemned by the Pope in 1540 for a murdorous assult on a fellow craftsman, Pellegrino di Leuti", Pollard, Kress Collection, p.82

Obverse Description

Bust of Andrea Doria facing right, bearded, wearing an ornamented cuirass, and a mantle secured at the right shoulder, the Order of the Fleece around his neck; behind head, a trident and below bust, a dolphin.; around, . ANDREAS DORIA . P . P .

Reverse Description

Bust of Leoni, bearded, draped, facing right; behind head, a galley and below it a hammer, an unfastened fetter-lock, and a grappling iron; around, manacles and chains

Edge Description

Plain

More Information