Summary

Copy of the reverse medal depicting Sir Richard Shelley, Grand Prior of England, Knight of Malta. The original medal by an unknown (Venetian?) Italian artist was cast in about 1577. This two piece electrotype copy was made circa 1881 at British Museum by Robert Ready from a cast bronze medal in the museum's collection (Reg. 1858,0710.3). The original medal was part of a display in the King's Library. The electrotype was acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria in the late 1880s and displayed. It was transferred to the Science Museum of Victoria in 1976.

Obverse Description

Half-length figure of Richard Shelley facing right with hair short, beard pointed and small ruff wearing armour with a Maltese cross on the breast; scarf tied round left arm; around, RICARDVS . SCELLEIVS . PRIOR . ANGLIAE .; ending in smaller lettering, AN.A.LXIII

Reverse Description

An arm issuing from clouds holding shield with crest and arms of Shelley; around, . PRO . FIDE . SPOLIATI . CLYPEVS . OBSES .

Edge Description

Plain

More Information