Aquarius Watering the Farnese Lilies [reverse]

Art Historical Context

**Aquarius Watering the Farnese Lilies [reverse]** *Bronze medal (struck), by Alessandro Cesati, called Il Grechetto, 1545* National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress Collection This exquisite bronze medal reverse, struck by the Italian engraver Alessandro Cesati (ca. 1510–1575), known as Il Grechetto, captures the zodiac figure of Aquarius in a graceful act of pouring water onto the iconic Farnese lilies. Measuring just 4 cm in diameter and weighing under 40 grams, it exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with small-scale sculpture. Created in 1545 for the powerful Farnese family—likely Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, whose emblem was the lily—this piece served as the allegorical backside of a commemorative medal, with the obverse typically featuring a portrait. Medals like this were prized Renaissance collectibles, blending portraiture, mythology, and heraldry much like ancient Roman coins revived during the humanist revival. Cesati, a master medallist active in Rome and Parma, was renowned for his intricate engraving techniques, evident in the fluid lines and dynamic composition here. The struck bronze medium allowed for sharp details and high relief, showcasing his skill in capturing movement—the water stream enlivening the lilies symbolizes abundance and the Farnese legacy. Part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection, this tiny gem highlights 16th-century Italy's artistic ingenuity, where personal and political symbolism merged in wearable art, inviting collectors to ponder zodiac lore and papal patronage.