Reference:4082 Pietro Aretino, c. 1550

Large bust of Aretino to right, wearing a fur-trimmed cloak, or coat, and a large chain. /

The figure of Aretino, to left, seated on a dais, receives tributes from a procession of figures.

By Alessandro Vittoria (Signed below bust: A.V.).

Bronze, cast. 57 mm. (2.3 inches) in diameter.

Condition: A very early cast, almost very fine and with some wear to the high points. An excellent portrait, and the medal with an attractive, orange-brown patina, a small and very neat hole at the top.

Notes:

Alessandro Vittoria (1525-1608), is a celebrated name in Venetian sculpture, but he was also responsible for a small number of medals. The composition on the reverse of this medal has been softly modelled. Attwood quotes correspondence from Aretino, who makes mention of a portrait of himself by Vittoria. The example being offered is from the Gnecchi collection.