Marc Antonio Memmo, Doge of Venice (1546?–1615, doge 1612–15)

Art Historical Context

Behold this exquisite bronze medal by Guillaume Dupré, a master French medallist active in the early 17th century under kings Henry IV and Louis XIII Crafted in 1612, it Marc Antonio Memmo (1546?–1615), who had just been elected Doge of Venice that year, serving until his death in 1615. Measuring a compact 3½ inches (89 mm) in diameter, this portrait exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of plaquettes and medals as portable works of art, blending sculpture and portraiture. Memmo's profile, rendered with striking realism, captures the dignified authority of Venice's leader during its twilight as a maritime superpower. As Doge, he navigated political intrigue amid the Republic's fading dominance against rising powers like Spain and the Ottoman Empire. Dupré's French perspective on a Venetian subject highlights the era's cultural exchanges, with medals often serving as diplomatic gifts or commemorative tokens exchanged among Europe's elite. Artistically, the bronze medium allowed for fine detailing through casting techniques, emphasizing Memmo's noble features and classical profile—a nod to ancient Roman coins revived in the Renaissance. Donated to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1925 by Ogden Mills, this piece invites us to ponder the personal ambitions behind Venice's grandeur.

About the Artist

Guillaume Dupré · 1579–1640

**Guillaume Dupré (1579–1640)** Guillaume Dupré, born in Sissonne near Laon, emerged as one of France's premier sculptors and medallists during the transition from Renaissance to Baroque art. He studied under the renowned sculptor Barthélemy Prieur, marrying Prieur's daughter Madeleine in 1600 and later fathering Abraham Dupré, who followed in his footsteps as a medallist. His early talent caught...