Summary

Copy of the obverse of a medal bearing a portrait of Pope Pius V (1566-1572). The original medal, by F.P., was struck in 1572. This uniface electrotype copy was made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. "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 Gallery Catalogue 1881, p.83.

Obverse Description

Half length figure of Pius V facing left in Papal robes and cap; around, PIVS . V . PONT . OPT . MAX . ANNO . VI .; below bust in small lettering, . F . P .

Reverse Description

Plain

Edge Description

Plain

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