CELLINI, Benvenuto
(b. 1500, Firenze, d. 1571, Firenze)

Medal of Clement VII (obverse)

1534
Gilt silver, diameter 4 cm
Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

This medal was modelled by Cellini to regain the favour of the pope which was lost due to disagreements. The obverse portrays Pope Clement VII, shown in profile and clad in a richly embroidered cope closed with an oval button. The verso bears a female figure impersonating Peace, holding a cornucopia in her left hand and a torch in the right, as she is about to set fire to the arms placed before the temple dedicated to Janis, to which a male figure representing Fury is enchained. The Pope commissioned also and alternative reverse side with Moses striking the rock to quench the thirst of the Jews.