Alessandro I de’ Medici, also known as Il Moro (the Moor), was the illegitimate son of Guilio de’ Medici (Pope Clement VII) and his African slave. Since the beginning of his rule in 1532, Alessandro’s authority was constantly contested. This turbulence culminated in his assassination by his cousin, Lorenzino, five years later. Most of Alessandro’s medals, like this example, were designed in the antique style, perhaps projecting Alessandro’s desire for legitimacy and stability.
Object Description
ALESSANDRO I DE' MEDICI (1510-37), Duke of Florence 1532 1534
Obv. Bust to right, in cuirass. Around, ALEX . M . FLORENTIAE . DVX . PRIMVS . .
Rev. Peace setting fire to the weapons of war. Around, . FVNDATOR . QVIETIS . M . D . XXX . IIII . ; in exergue, symbol of Mars
Bronze, struck, 36 mm.
Bibl: Arm. i, p. 151,3; 3, p. 58; Morgenroth, no. 137; Supino, no. 251; Brescia i, p. 30, no. 198; MM. i, p. 199, pl. 44, 3; H. de la Tour, "Domenico di Polo, Medailleur et Graveur de Pierres Fines du Due Alexandre de Medicis," Congrès International de Numistmatique, Paris 1900, pp. 382-99, no. i; Heraeus, pl. 61, no. 10 (insc. variant ALEX . MED . FLORENTINE).