Object Description
192 GIAN PAOLO SIMONE BIANCHI (1693-1775), naturalist
Obv. Head to left, horned. Around, lANVS * PLANCVS * ARIMINENSIS; below truncation, B . CIANTOGNI
Rev. Lynx standing to left. Around, LYNCEIS * RESTITVTIS
Bronze, dark patina, 82 mm.
Bianchi was widely known under his Latin name of Janus Plancus. He was born in Rimini. His first names are recorded as Gian Paolo Simone in MM, and as simply Giovanni by A. Fabi in DBdI 10, pp. 110-12. The horn of Ammon on the obverse refers to Bianchi's publications on shells, and appears on his tomb in Saint Agostino at Rimini. The reverse refers to his revival in Rimini of the Academy of the Lincei. He was secretary to the Academy, and wrote a history of it.
Bibl.: Forrer i, p. 430; Brescia i, p. 181, no. 1184; MM. 2, pp. 399-401, pl. 199, 2.