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Preview image of work. bronze,  Alessandro I de’ Medici (1510–1537), Duke of Florence 1532 6248
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1966.104.15.a

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Alessandro I de’ Medici (1510–1537), Duke of Florence 1532

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Artist

Domenico de' Vetri (Domenico di Polo di Angelo de' Vetri) (ca. 1480 - ca. 1547)

Title

Alessandro I de’ Medici (1510–1537), Duke of Florence 1532

Creation Date

1534

Century

mid-16th century

Dimensions

1 7/16 in. (3.6 cm.)

Classification

Medals/Plaquettes

Creation Place

Europe, Italy

Medium and Support

bronze

Credit Line

Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1966.104.15.a

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).