Pope Innocent XI
Medallion
ca. 1679 - ca. 1689 (made)
ca. 1679 - ca. 1689 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This portrait of Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689; Pope 1676-89) is similar to that shown on the 1679 bronze medal by Giovanni Hamerani (1646-1705), although on the medal the Pope is shown with full papal vestments and with longer hair; in addition his abbreviated name is given as 'INNOCEN' with two 'n's (examples are in the present collection, including inv. no. 1247-1893, and at the British Museum and elsewhere). An ivory version was sold at Rosebery's, London (Ted Few sale) on 24 March, 2021, lot 92.
The virtuoso skill seen here, whereby a figurative portrait is created using only the technique of turning, was greatly admired in the seventeenth century.
The virtuoso skill seen here, whereby a figurative portrait is created using only the technique of turning, was greatly admired in the seventeenth century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Pope Innocent XI (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Turned ivory |
| Brief description | Medallion, ivory, Pope Innocent XI, by an anonymous ivory turner, probably after Giovanni Hamerani, Italian, ca. 1679-89 |
| Physical description | The turned portrait is set within an integral turned frame. The bust faces right, and the Pope is shown bearded wearing a cap. The medallion is inscribed. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | 'INOCEN: XI . PONT. MAX .'
(on the medallion)
|
| Credit line | Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA. |
| Object history | Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A. in 1949; formerly on loan from Dr Hildburgh. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This portrait of Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689; Pope 1676-89) is similar to that shown on the 1679 bronze medal by Giovanni Hamerani (1646-1705), although on the medal the Pope is shown with full papal vestments and with longer hair; in addition his abbreviated name is given as 'INNOCEN' with two 'n's (examples are in the present collection, including inv. no. 1247-1893, and at the British Museum and elsewhere). An ivory version was sold at Rosebery's, London (Ted Few sale) on 24 March, 2021, lot 92. The virtuoso skill seen here, whereby a figurative portrait is created using only the technique of turning, was greatly admired in the seventeenth century. |
| Bibliographic reference | Trusted, Marjorie, Baroque & Later Ivories, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 2013, cat. no. 293, pp. 300, 1 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.29-1949 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 4, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
