Historical and Art Medals

Pre.1500. Italy. Giovanna Albizzi, uniface cast bronze portrait medal by Nicolo Fiorentino, 72mm (Hill, Corpus, 1021; Hill, Medals of the Rennaisance, pl.14.3; Arm. I, 88.20). Very fine, a later cast and somewhat soft (£60-80)

This portrait of Giovanna Albizzi is considered one ot the masterpieces of the15th century Florentine school. Hill [Medals of the Rennaisance, p.78], is lavish in his praise and describes this and the portrait of Nonnina Strozzi as having “a pure beauty, at once romantic and serene, that places them on a level where criticism can find no foothold”