Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - Nero (37–68 BCE), Emperor 54

Preview image of work. brass, Nero (37–68 BCE), Emperor 54–68 BCE 6301

1966.108.9.a

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Nero (37–68 BCE), Emperor 54–68 BCE

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Artist

Giovanni del Cavino (1500 - 1570)

Title

Nero (37–68 BCE), Emperor 54–68 BCE

Creation Date

n.d.

Century

16th century

Dimensions

1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm.)

Classification

Medals/Plaquettes

Creation Place

Europe, Italy

Medium and Support

brass

Credit Line

Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1966.108.9.a

Giovanni del Cavino was known for creating exact reproductions of ancient coins, such as this “medal” based on a sestertius of Nero. Many contemporary connoisseurs of the time respected and deeply admired Cavino’s ability to imitate Roman artisans. The high concentration of zinc in this medal indicates its high-quality manufacturing because zinc’s low boiling point makes it a very challenging metal. The small scale of this piece helped achieve the high-zinc brass metallic composition, yielding an exceptional example of Renaissance brass medals.

Nero (37–68 BCE), Emperor 54–68 BCE

Artist

Title

Creation Date

Century

Dimensions

Classification

Creation Place

Medium and Support

Credit Line

Copyright

Accession Number

Object Description