Giannello della Torre of Cremona, 1500-1585, Engineer in the Service of Charles V (obverse)
c. 1550
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 8.07 cm (3 3/16 in.) gross weight: 156.12 gr (0.344 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1028.a
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze medal, crafted around 1550 by Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo, Giannello della Torre of Cremona (1500–1585), a brilliant engineer and inventor served Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. just over 3 inches in diameter weighing about 5.5 ounces, it exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with portrait medals—small, portable sculptures that functioned like elite calling cards, commemorating noteworthy individuals and their patrons. Da Trezzo, a Milanese medallist known for his work at European courts, captures della Torre in high relief on the obverse, likely highlighting his intellectu...