Lorenzino de' Medici, 1514-1547, Son of Pierfrancesco II [obverse]

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze medal, crafted by the Italian engraver Antonio Francesco Selvi around 1740, portrays Lorenzino de' Medici (4–1547), the notorious son of Pierfrances II de' Medici. Measuring 8.73 cm in diameter and a substantial 236.6 grams, it exemplifies the Renaissance-inspired medallic art of the 18th century. Selvi, a master of portrait medals, captures Lorenzino's profile on the obverse with remarkable fidelity, using the axis at 12:00 for precise orientation—a hallmark of numismatic precision. Lorenzino, infamously known as Lorenzaccio ("little bad Lorenzo"), was a complex figure in Medici history. A poet, philosopher, and assassin, he murdered his cousin, Duke Alessandro de' Medici, in 1537, an act that shook Florence and paved the way for Cosimo I's rise. This medal, created nearly two centuries later, reflects enduring fascination with the Medici dynasty's dramatic intrigues, serving as both a historical tribute and a collector's piece. Bronze medals like this were prized for their durability and tactile appeal, often cast using lost-wax techniques that allowed intricate detailing. Donated to the National Gallery of Art by Lisa Unger Baskin, it invites visitors to ponder the blend of artistry and infamy in Renaissance Florence.

About the Artist

Antonio Francesco Selvi · 1679–1755

Antonio Francesco Selvi (1679–1753) was a prominent Florentine sculptor and medallist whose exquisite bronze portraits captured the elegance of late Baroque Italy. Little is known of his early life before he arrived in Florence in 1698, but he quickly established himself in the city's vibrant artistic scene by studying under Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi, the renowned bronze-worker, sculptor, medalli...