Reference:4084 Gianello della Torre, Clockmaker and Military Architect and Engineer, c. 1555

Bust of della Torre to right, bearded, wearing a doublet and a coat. A female figure as the Fountain of Science stands in a reservoir, facing, a bowl on her head surmounted by two animals' heads, from which spout plumes of water. Around is a group of figures which catch the falling water in vessels and scoop it up from the reservoir and drink. By Jacopo da Trezzo. Copper, cast. 82 mm. (3.25 inches) in diameter.

Condition: An early cast, with a dark-brown patina. Almost very fine, with a small and very neat hole at the top. Some wear and flatness to the high-points, particularly on the sitter's hair and on the figure of Science. Attractive nonetheless, the portrait of della Torre retaining a great deal of its character, and much underlying sharpness and detail present on the elaborate reverse. Elements of the artist's scribing lines clearly visible.

Notes: Jacopo da Trezzo (1515-87), a distinguished sculptor, medallist and engraver of gems. His earliest medallic work may well be this portrait of della Torre. Gianello della Torre (1500-85), a Cremonese clockmaker and military architect and engineer, who was in the service of Charles V and Philip II in the Netherlands and in Spain from 1550 onwards. There are a number of recorded examples of this celebrated medal, of which this appears to be amongst the largest. Attwood records those in the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum at 80 mm., while that in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, measures 81.5 mm. The example being offered is from the Gnecchi collection. Would you please note that you are in the ARCHIVE page of the website, where all sold items are placed. For items that are still available, please go to the menu opposite and click on MEDALS & MEDALLIC ART.