Medal Depicting Isabella de' Medici (1542–1576)

Art Historical Context

Discover the intricate "Medal Depicting Isabella de' (1542–1576)" by Antonio Francesco Sel, crafted in 1739 and housed in the Art Institute of Chicago Department of Painting and Sculpture of. This small-scale masterpiece, measuring just 8.3 cm in diameter captures the poised likeness of Isabella, a Renaissance noblewoman from Florence's powerful Medici family. Daughter of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, Isabella was renowned for her sharp intellect, patronage of the arts, and unconventional life—marked by rumored scandals and a tragic end at her husband's hands. Selvi, a skilled Italian medalist active in the early 18th century, worked in the Baroque tradition of portrait medals, which revived Renaissance practices of commemorating illustrious figures through finely detailed reliefs. Made of lead coated with wax, this unusual medium likely served as a proof or model, allowing for precise modeling before final casting in more precious metals. Medals like this were prized as portable sculptures, blending sculpture's tactility with numismatic precision, and often featured symbolic reverses (though specifics here are unnoted). This piece bridges centuries, honoring Isabella's enduring legacy as a symbol of Medici glamour and female agency in a male-dominated era. A testament to enduring fascination with Renaissance icons, it invites visitors to ponder the artistry of memory itself.

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...