Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver testoon by Benvenuto Cellini captures Saints Cosmas and Damian, the twin physician-martyrs venerated as early Christian healers. Struck in the Renaissance period, the small coin—measuring just under three centimeters—transforms a functional piece of currency into a miniature work of sculpture. Cellini, celebrated for his mastery of goldsmithing and metalwork, brought his distinctive Mannerist sensibility to such struck objects, emphasizing graceful figures and intricate detail within a confined circular format. As part of the National Gallery of Art’s Samuel H. Kress Col...