Cosimo de' Medici thumbnail 1

Cosimo de' Medici

Medal
ca. 1480-1500 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The study in Renaissance Italy was the ideal place to house collections of both antique and modern works. Contemporary images and descriptions show that studies varied from the well organised to the haphazard, with functional objects like candlesticks, inkstands and bells sitting alongside collectibles such as medals, gems and antique coins. Some were kept on the desk, while others were stored in cupboards, or placed on shelves ready to be lifted down and admired or used.

This medal depicts Cosimo de' Medici the first of the Medici political dynasty, de facto rulers of Florence during most of the Italian Renaissance. The Medici were bankers, and their company was one of the most important in Europe. But the head of the family, Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464), was also the unofficial ruler of the Florentine Republic. Here he is shown with the letters PPP for 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Fatherland). This title, taken from classical Rome, was given him after his death.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCosimo de' Medici (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Medal, bronze, Cosimo de' Medici, by an unknown medallist, Florence, ca.1480-1500
Physical description
Medal depicts on the obverse the bust to the left of Cosimo de' Medici, wearing a flat cap. Inscription. On the reverse a female figure, for Florence, seated on a throne, the whole placed above a yoke. Inscription.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 7.7cm
Measured for the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'MAGNVS COSMVS MEDICES P P P' (obverse)
    Translation
    Pater Patriae (Father of the Fatherland)
  • 'PAX LIBERTASQVE PVBLICA - FLORENTIA' (reverse)
Gallery label
MEDAL of Cosimo de' Medici About 1480-1500 The Medici were bankers, and their company was one of the most in Europe. But the head of the family, Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464), was also the unofficial ruler of the Florentine Republic. Here he is shown with the letters PPP for 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Fatherland). This title, taken from classical Rome, was given him after his death. Italy, Florence Bronze Obverse (front) Museum no. A.284-1910(2008)
Object history
From the Salting bequest.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The study in Renaissance Italy was the ideal place to house collections of both antique and modern works. Contemporary images and descriptions show that studies varied from the well organised to the haphazard, with functional objects like candlesticks, inkstands and bells sitting alongside collectibles such as medals, gems and antique coins. Some were kept on the desk, while others were stored in cupboards, or placed on shelves ready to be lifted down and admired or used.

This medal depicts Cosimo de' Medici the first of the Medici political dynasty, de facto rulers of Florence during most of the Italian Renaissance. The Medici were bankers, and their company was one of the most important in Europe. But the head of the family, Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464), was also the unofficial ruler of the Florentine Republic. Here he is shown with the letters PPP for 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Fatherland). This title, taken from classical Rome, was given him after his death.
Bibliographic references
  • 'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 40
  • Avery, Charles. Donatello, an Introduction. New York 1994, pp. 108-9
  • Avery, Charles. Donatello. Catalogo Completo delle Opere. Florence, 1991, p. 146, cat.no. 83
  • Warren, Jeremy, with contributions from Kim, S. and Kosinova, A., The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Italian Sculpture, Vol. 1, London, 2016, p.51, fig. 9.2
  • Ajmar-Wollheim, Marta and Flora Dennis, At Home in Renaissance Italy, London: V&A Publishing, 2006.
Collection
Accession number
A.284-1910

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Record createdJuly 4, 2008
Record URL
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