Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, 1599-1667), Pope 1655 [obverse]
![Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, 1599-1667), Pope 1655 [obverse] by Gasparo Morone Mola](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/alexander-vii-fabio-chigi-1599-1667-pope-1655-nga-103302.webp)
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.03 cm (1 9/16 in.) gross weight: 37.69 gr (0.083 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1997.114.27.a
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, crafted by the Italian medallist Gasparo Morone Mola in 1663, captures the likeness of Pope Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, 1599–1667), who ascended to the papacy in 1655. Measuring just 4.03 cm in diameter and weighing 37.69 grams, its intimate scale invites close handling, embodying the Renaissance and Baroque tradition of portrait medals as portable works of art. Displayed with a 12:00 axis, the obverse likely features the pope's dignified profile, a hallmark of commemorative sculpture that blended classical portraiture with contemporary authority. Medals like this...