Object Description
151 COSIMO III DE' MEDICI (1642-1723), Grand Duke of Tuscany, 1670
Obv. Bust to right, in cuirass and cloak. Around, COSMVS . III . ETRVSCORVM . REX; on truncation, [FORTINI . . .]
Rev. Saint Joseph on right offering lily to Christ Child, center. Above, six putti hold golden balls of Medici arms. Around, DELICIAE POPVLI DELICIAE DOMINI
Bronze, 83 mm. Ring attached at top
The inscription on the obverse is explained by Cosimo's having received from the emperor the title "Altezza Reale" in 1699. Cosimo had himself painted in the guise of Saint Joseph with a lily, to which perhaps the reverse of the medal makes a reference. The budded staff is the attribute of Saint Joseph, and the lily a symbol of religion and of the city of Florence.
Bibl.: Forrer 2, p. 126; Pollard, Udine, p. 158, figs. 20 a, b.
