Summary

Copy of a medal of Cosimo I de' Medici, First Grand Duke of Tuscany. The original medal, probably by Domenico Poggini, was made in about 1571. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 Robert Ready. The original medal, acquired by the British Museum with the collection of George III (Reg. G3,TuscM.148 which is lead, not bronzed as this copy) , was exhibited in the King's Library in 1881 and is No. 199 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.

This medal commemorates victories over the French and the Turks.

Obverse Description

Bust of Cosimo facing left, bearded, wearing an engraved cuirass, the Order of the Golden Fleece and a mantle knotted above his left shoulder; around, COSMVS. MED. MAG. ETRVRIAE. DVX I

Reverse Description

At left Cosimo, standing , wearing Roman armour, holding in his right hand a spear, with his helmet on the ground before him; behind him Victory extending a wreath above his head and cradling a palm branch in her left arm, in background behind Victory, a trophy; at centre a prisoner, with hands bound behind his back, seated facing left; at right a winged figure of Fame, seated facing left on armour, inscribing a shield; around, DE GALLIS ET TVRCIS

Edge Description

Plain

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