Cosimo II de' Medici, 1590-1621, 4th Grand Duke of Tuscany 1609 [obverse]

1618

Gaspare Mola

Associated Names
Gaspare Mola

Medalist, Florentine, 1567/1571 - 1640

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring a side profile relief of a man with short, wavy hair and facial features strikingly defined. He is dressed in ornate armor. The medallion is made of silver and has a shiny, metallic sheen. The relief is finely detailed with intricate patterns on the clothing and clear facial features. The medallion is encircled by a border of small round beads. The border contains inscriptions. At the top of the medallion, there is a loop. The overall effect is of a finely crafted, historical piece that stands out with its metallic luster and detailed craftsmanship.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter without suspension loop): 4.05 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    overall (diameter with suspension loop): 4.85 cm (1 15/16 in.)
    gross weight: 26.54 gr (0.059 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1997.114.24.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicts a profile portrait of a woman facing left. She is adorned with elaborate hairstyles and jewelry, featuring curled hair in a braided updo and earrings. The sculpture, possibly a medallion or coin, displays detailed engravings of the woman's clothes and background, including a textured pattern on her collar. It is metallic silver with oxidized areas, suggesting aged metal. Inscribed text around the profile reads "MAR. MAGDALENA ARCH. AVSTR. MD." There is a loop at the top, indicating it may have been meant to be hung or worn as an ornament.

Maria Maddalena of Austria, 1589-1631, Wife of Grand Duke Cosimo II de' Medici 1608 [reverse]

Gaspare Mola

1618


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1997 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 834, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: COSMVS.II.MAG.DVX.ETRVRIAE.IIII; around inner perimeter within field: 1618; on truncation of arm: G.MOL.

Wikidata ID

Q63861775

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