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Preview image of work. gilding, bronze,  Alexander VII 6354
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1966.113.38.a

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Alexander VII

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Artist

Gaspare Moroni (Moroni-Mola) (d. 1669)

Title

Alexander VII

Creation Date

1658

Century

17th century

Dimensions

2 1/2 in. (6.3 cm.)

Classification

Medals/Plaquettes

Creation Place

Europe, Italy

Medium and Support

gilding, bronze

Credit Line

Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1966.113.38.a

Object Description

91 ALEXANDER VII Chigi, Pope 1655-67 1658

Obv. Bust to right, wearing cap and mozzetta. Around, ALEXAN . VII . PONT . MAX . A . IIII . ; below, MDCLVIII . GM .
Rev. Facade of church. Around, DILEXI . DOMINE . DECOREM . DOMVS . TVAE; in exergue * S : NICOLAO . *
Gilt bronze, 63 mm.

The reverse shows the facade of Bernini's church at Castel Gandolfo which Alexander commissioned in 1658. Initially dedicated to Saint Nicholas, it was later rededicated to the newly canonized Saint Thomas of Villanova, in 1659. The reverse inscription is from Psalms 25:8.

Bibl.: Forrer 4, p. 156; Brescia 2, p. 20, cp. no. 253; Mazio, no. 258; Venuti, p. 262, no. 16; Bonnani, p. 651, no. 13; Tresor Papes, pl. 33,4 (rev.).