Summary

Copy of a medal bearing a portrait of Pope Clement VII (1523-1534). The original medal, by Benvenuto Cellini was struck in 1534. This two piece electrotype copy was made circa 1881 Robert Ready. The original medal was from the collection of George III (British Museum Reg: G3,PMAR4.6) exhibited in the King's Library of the British Museum in 1881 and is No. 86 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 two sided struck silver the electrotype silver plated and toned.

This medal "commemorates the peace which followed the reconciliation of Charles V and Clement VII at the treaty of Barcellona, 1529, and which lasted during the remainder of Clement's Pontificate" King's Library catalogue 1881, p.37.

Obverse Description

Bust of Pope Clement VII, left, wearing an embroidered cope, decorated collar, fastened with a morse; around, CLEMENS . VII . PONT . MAX . AN . XI . M·DX X X IIII

Reverse Description

Draped figure of Peace stands at left facing right holding in her left hand a cornucopia and in her right hand a torch with which she sets fires to a pile of arms which lie on the ground in front of the figure of Discord who is chained to the Temple of Janus; around, CLAVDVNTVR . BELLI . PORTAE (translation: the doors of war are closed) ; on side of temple in two lines, BENVENVTV / .F.

Edge Description

Plain

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