Summary

Copy of a medal bearing a portrait of Pope Paul IV (1555-1569). The original medal, by Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi was made in 1556. This two piece electrotype copy was made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal was exhibited in the King's Library of the British Museum in 1881 and is No. 196 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 cast bronze the electrotype copper plated and toned.

"Giovanni Pietro Caraffa; b., 1476; elected, 1555; d., 1569. Before his elevation he had been the chief instrument in re-establishing the inquisition, and his first Papal bull promised a reform of the Catholic Church and of the Court of Rome. To this the above medal makes allusion. Paul sided with Henry II of France against the House of Aragon." King's Library Catalogue, 1881, p.61.

Obverse Description

Bust of Pope Paul IV facing right in Papal robes, bare-headed; around, PAVLVS IIII PONT MAX; below bust truncation in small lettering, IO ANT . RVB . MEDIOL .

Reverse Description

Religion walking left holding chalice and books.; around, ANNO . DOMINI . M . D . LVI . PONT . SVI . PRIMO . INSTAVRAVIT

Edge Description

Plain

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