Medal Depicting Lorenzeo de' Medici (1463–1503)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite medal, crafted by Italian engraver Antonio Francesco Selvi 1739, honors Lorenzo de' Medici (3–1503), the influential Florentine statesman and patron of the arts often called "Il Magnifico." Produced over two centuries after Lorenzo's lifetime, it reflects the enduring fascination with Renaissance luminaries during the 18th-century revival of classical and historical portraiture. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of, this small-scale work (8.3 cm in diameter exemplifies the medal's role as an intimate, collectible art form bridging sculpture and numismatics. Selvi, a master of cameo and intaglio techniques, likely employed intricate engraving on lead—a durable yet affordable medium—enhanced with wax for a polished, lifelike sheen that captures Lorenzo's noble profile. Medals like this were prized by Enlightenment-era collectors for their portability and precision, serving as talismans of cultural heritage. The choice of lead with wax underscores artistic innovation, allowing fine details in Lorenzo's features and attire to emerge with remarkable clarity. Lorenzo's legacy as a Medici powerhouse, fostering talents like Botticelli and Michelangelo, made him an ideal subject for such tributes. This piece invites visitors to ponder how 18th-century artists reimagined Renaissance icons, blending historical reverence with technical virtuosity.

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...