Alessandro de' Medici, 1512-1537, 1st Duke of Florence 1523 [obverse]
1500-1571
![Alessandro de' Medici, 1512-1537, 1st Duke of Florence 1523 [obverse] by Benvenuto Cellini](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/alessandro-de-medici-1512-1537-1st-duke-of-nga-45489.webp)
Medium
silver testoon//Struck
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 2.88 cm (1 1/8 in.) gross weight: 8.24 gr (0.018 lb.) axis: 3:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1259.a
Art Historical Context
This striking silver testoon, created by the renowned Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini, features the obverse portrait of Alessandro de’ Medici, Florence’s first duke. Though small in scale—measuring just under three centimeters across—the medal captures the powerful profile of Alessandro, who ruled from 1532 until his assassination in 1537.ini, celebrated for his work as a goldsmith, sculptor, and medalist, brought his characteristic precision and elegance to this struck piece, transforming a functional coin into a work of art. Such portrait medals played an important role in Renaissance ...