Summary

Copy of a medal bearing a portrait of Pope Pius V (1566-1572). The original medal, by IAC. HOL. was cast in about 1570. This uniface 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. 325 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 lead the electrotype copper plated and toned.

"Michele Ghislieri; b., 1504; cardinal of Sta. Maria della Minerva; pope, 1566; d. 1572. He was an ally of the Emperor and of Spain; and he prepared the expedition against the Turks which resulted in the victory of Lepanto. Pius was, moreover, a great patron of the Inquisition; from his time the influence of the Holy See, which had fallen to its lowest ebb during the papacy of Clement VII, began considerably to revive. What is known as the "counter-reformation " set in, which was begun by the victory over the Turks, and marked in the reign of the next pope by the Massacre of the Huguenots and the great extension of the power of Philip II of Spain." King's Library Catalogue, 1881, p. 83-84.

Obverse Description

Bust of Pius V facing right in Papal robes and cap; around, . PIVS . V . PONT . MAX .; above head incuse in small lettering, IAC . HOL . F.

Reverse Description

Plain

Edge Description

Plain

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