Summary

Copy of a medal commemorating Gabriele Serbelloni, Captain General of the Papal Guard. The original medal, by an unknown artist, was made in about 1559-1563. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal, acquired by the British Museum from the collection of King George III (Reg. G3,PMAE2.22) , was exhibited in the King's Library in 1881 and is No. 197 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.

Gabriele Serbelloni was an Italian condottier. He bacame Captain General of the Papal Guard, Governor of Borgo and overseer for all the fortresses of the Apostolic See after his cousin was elected Pope Pius IV. The medal celebrates this time in his life.

Obverse Description

Roma seated facing right on a trophy of arms and armour extending Victory on her left hand; around above, GABRIELI SERBELLONO S.P.Q.R (Translation: The Senate and People of Rome To Gabriele Serbelloni)

Reverse Description

View of Rome, with the Castel Sant' Angelo and city walls in the foreground; in exergue, VRBE COMMVNITA (translation: The City made secure)

Edge Description

Plain

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