Cosimo III de'Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diam.: 8.6 cm (3 3/8 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
151377
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, crafted by Italian artist Giovacchino Fortini in 1720, Cosimo III de' Medici, the long-reigning Grand Duke of Tuscany (1670–1723). Measuring just 8.6 cm in diameter, it exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of portrait medals revived in the Baroque era—small, portable sculptures that combined the precision of coin-making with the artistry of relief sculpture. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of, this piece captures Cosimo's dignified profile, likely highlighting his role as a steadfast Medici patron of the arts and scien...