Summary

Copy of a medal depicting Ottavio Farnese. The original medal by an unknown artist was produced in the mid 16th century. This uniface electrotype copy was made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. It is thought that this electrotype was produced in association with an exhibition of Italian medals in the King's Library in 1881 (No. 38 in the catalogue) and was acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria where it was displayed probably from the late 1880s.The uniface electrotype is copper plated and toned. It was perhaps taken from the obverse of the two sided bronze cast original is in the British Museum collection from the collection of King George III (Reg: G3,VP.54)

Obverse Description

Bust of Ottavio facing right, bearded, wearing an elaborately ornamented cuirass, a jewel suspended from a ribbon around his neck, and a mantle, a lion's head at the shoulder, around, OCTAVIVS FARNESIVS PARMAE ET PL DVX II

Reverse Description

Plain

Edge Description

Plain

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