1966.131.60.a
Cosimo III de’ Medici (1642–1723), Grand Duke of Tuscany 1670-1723
Artist
Giovacchino Fortini
(Settignano, 1671/2 - 1736)
Title
Cosimo III de’ Medici (1642–1723), Grand Duke of Tuscany 1670-1723
Creation Date
ca. 1700
Century
late 17th-early 18th century
Dimensions
3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.)
Classification
Medals/Plaquettes
Creation Place
Europe, Italy
Medium and Support
bronze
Credit Line
Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1966.131.60.a
Cosimo III de’ Medici (1642–1723) was the penultimate regent in a long line of Medici Grand Dukes of Tuscany. He is often characterized as an eccentric ruler whose poor political decisions led to Tuscany’s decline into one of the poorest regions in Europe. As a devoted Catholic, Cosimo III dedicated many of his efforts to moral reform yet harshly persecuted the Jewish population of his domain. This medal affirms his devoutness in its depiction of St. Joseph (with whom Cosimo closely identified) handing a lily, symbolizing chastity (and possibly the city of Florence), to the Christ Child. Angels hold the Medici coat of arms above, reinforcing Cosimo’s connection to the scene.
Object Description
151 COSIMO III DE' MEDICI (1642-1723), Grand Duke of Tuscany, 1670
Obv. Bust to right, in cuirass and cloak. Around, COSMVS . III . ETRVSCORVM . REX; on truncation, [FORTINI . . .]
Rev. Saint Joseph on right offering lily to Christ Child, center. Above, six putti hold golden balls of Medici arms. Around, DELICIAE POPVLI DELICIAE DOMINI
Bronze, 83 mm. Ring attached at top
The inscription on the obverse is explained by Cosimo's having received from the emperor the title "Altezza Reale" in 1699. Cosimo had himself painted in the guise of Saint Joseph with a lily, to which perhaps the reverse of the medal makes a reference. The budded staff is the attribute of Saint Joseph, and the lily a symbol of religion and of the city of Florence.
Bibl.: Forrer 2, p. 126; Pollard, Udine, p. 158, figs. 20 a, b.
