Papal Medal of Sixtus V
1585/90
Medium
Bronze (?)
Dimensions
Diam.: 3.4 cm (1 3/8 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
110158
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze papal medal, struck in Italy around 1585–90, honors Pope Sixtus V, whose dynamic papacy transformed Rome through ambitious urban renewal projects like the restoration of ancient obelisks and the construction of aqueducts. Measuring just 3.4 cm in diameter, these small-scale masterpieces were Renaissance innovations—portable emblems of power, diplomacy, and piety, often distributed as gifts to allies or worn as personal talismans. Crafted in bronze, a durable medium favored for its rich patina and ability to capture fine details through striking techniques, the medal exem...
About the Artist
Italian
The designation "Italian" in art collections typically refers to an anonymous artist or a loose attribution to works from Italian schools, rather than a specific individual. With 173 known artworks in the museum's collection, this entry likely encompasses paintings by unidentified masters active across various periods, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, or later eras. Early life and personal detail...