Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250) of the Holy Roman Empire 1220

Preview image of work. gold, Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250) of the Holy Roman Empire 1220–1250 37552

1920.8.31.b

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Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250) of the Holy Roman Empire 1220–1250

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Artist

Augusta Aureu of the Reign of Emperor Frederick II

Title

Emperor Frederick II (1194–1250) of the Holy Roman Empire 1220–1250

Creation Date

ca. 1211-1250

Century

13th century

Object Type

coin

Creation Place

Ancient Mediterranean

Medium and Support

gold

Credit Line

Gift of Edward Perry Warren, Esq., Honorary Degree, 1926

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

1920.8.31.b

Frederick II considered himself the heir to the glorious legacy of the ancient Romans. This affinity is reflected in this golden coin’s revival of the portrait bust and accompanying imagery on the reverse, characteristic of antiquity. Indeed, this coin is one of the first surviving examples of these important stylistic shifts, which would be widely adopted by medalists centuries later (compare with 3.01). During Frederick II’s reign, the Holy Roman Empire reached its territorial apex and stimulated a robust culture of science, literature, and the arts. However, Frederick II’s antagonistic relationship with the papacy eventually contributed to the demise of his political influence and even that of his successors.

Additional Media

obverse