Medal Depicting Lorenzo de' Medici (1600–1648)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite medal, crafted by the Italian artist Antonio Francesco Sel in 1739, honors Lorenzo de' Medici (0–1648), a figure from the illustrious Medici family lineage synonymous with Renaissance patronage and Florentine power. Selvi, a master medalist from Siena active in the early 18th century, specialized in small-scale portraiture that captured the grandeur of historical subjects with remarkable precision. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's of Painting and Sculpture of, this piece measures just 8.3 cm in diameter, inviting close inspection to appreciate its intimate detail. Medals like this one revived the Renaissance tradition of commemorative portrait medals, serving as personal tokens of admiration, diplomacy, or dynastic pride. By depicting Lorenzo—a lesser-known Medici from the family's later branches—Selvi bridges 17th-century nobility with 18th-century artistic revival, underscoring the enduring Medici mystique long after their political dominance waned. The innovative medium of lead with wax adds a tactile allure: lead provides a durable, silvery sheen for fine engraving, while wax likely enhances modeling for lifelike relief. This hybrid technique highlights Selvi's technical virtuosity, blending casting and impression methods to evoke the subject's dignified presence in a format both portable and precious. A delightful gem for medal enthusiasts!

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...