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VETRI, Domenico de' (b. ca. 1480, Firenze, d. ca. 1547, Firenze) |
Cosimo I de' Medici1537-38Cast bronze pierced in two places, diameter 4 cm British Museum, London | |
This medal was probably issued shortly after Cosimo I de' Medici came to power in 1537. The obverse showing Cosimo is based on Pontormo's drawing which was the basis of a number of images by other artists, including the official sculptor of the Medici, Baccio Bandinelli, who made reliefs of the duke in profile. The reverse shows Hercules's victory over Antaeus, a giant who was invincible as long as he touched the earth. Hercules managed to suffocate him by lifting him off the ground. |
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