WORLD ART MEDALS Italy, Independence of Italy, two oval red copper repoussé medallions, filled with plaster, by A. Pillas; a) Italy chained, double-headed eagle of Austria perched upon her, calling for Victor Emmanuel II, King of Piedmont for assistance, who is in turn protected by armed French cherub; b) Italy rising up, clasping sword given her by a French cherub, under the protection of Napoleon III, both in high relief, 165 x 133mm [2]. Good very fine (£150-180)

The liberty and unification of Italy was one of the great causes of liberals, artists, and intellectuals in 19th Century Europe, with figures such as Garibaldi becoming international symbols of national freedom; it is in this context that these pieces were made.