Reverse of Medal Depicting Pier Francesco de' Medici (died 1530)
Medium
Lead with wax
Dimensions
Diam.: 8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
144099
Art Historical Context
This intriguing medal, crafted by the Italian engraver Antonio Francesco Sel in 1739, the reverse side honoring Pier Francesco de' Medici1492–1530), a lesser-known scion of Florence's illustrious Medici dynasty. Selvi, renowned for his intricate commemorative medals during the Baroque era, captures the nobleman—son of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de' Medici and a figure in Renaissance politics—likely in profile or symbolic pose, evoking the grandeur of Tuscany's ruling family two centuries after his early death from illness. Cast in lead with a wax coating, this 8.3 cm diameter piece exemplifies ...
About the Artist
Antonio Francesco Selvi · 1679–1755
Antonio Francesco Selvi (1679–1753) was a prominent Florentine sculptor and medallist whose exquisite bronze portraits captured the elegance of late Baroque Italy. Little is known of his early life before he arrived in Florence in 1698, but he quickly established himself in the city's vibrant artistic scene by studying under Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi, the renowned bronze-worker, sculptor, medalli...