Biography

Niccolò di Forzore di Niccolò di Luca Spinelli (Niccolò Fiorentino), Italian medalist, born in Florence (therefore his name 'the Florentine') on 23 April 1430 into a family of goldsmiths. His great-uncle was the painter Spinello Aretino. Part of his life and career can be traced by references in contemporary documents: his work as a seal-engraver for Charles the Bold, the duke of Burgundy, in 1468, his marriage to Alessandra di Lionardo di Lorenzo de' Paolo in 1471, his knowledge of Flanders mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci. He fathered at least six children. On 26 May 1484 Niccolò was paid to repair and re-cut the great silver seal of the Arte de' Giudici e Notai [Guild of Justices and Notaries] of Florence. He signed five portrait medals, of which two have been dated (1485 and 1492). More than 160 other pieces have been attributed to him, or his school or circle. Niccolò died before 23 April 1514 and was buried in Santa Maria Novella in Florence.