Italian commemorative medal for the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth, 1875

Abstract

General Description:The celebrations in Florence in 1875, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth, were among the most important events in the history of Michelangelo's fame and fortune. The central event was an exhibit held from September 12?14 featuring originals and reproductions of Michelangelo's works, with the statue of David, newly moved to the Accademia Gallery, at the center. Other events included processions, concerts, important publications, conferences, banquets, and more. This medal was minted in the midst of these festivities as a lasting token of the occasion. One specimen in this collection is silvered and another is bronze. The bronze version exists in many museums, including the Middeldorf Collection at the Indiana University Art Museum and the Yale.

Obverse Description: Portrait of Michelangelo with the inscription of his name "MICHALANGELO BUONARROTI" in the surround, along with the artist name "LUIGI GORI INC. IN FIRENZE" on the bottom.

Reverse Description: The reverse features the inscription "IN MEMORIA DEL IV CENTENARIO / FIRENZE 1875" (In memory of the Fourth Century / Florence 1875), surrounds the Buonarroti coat of arms.

Historical Context:

Artist Biography:Luigi Gori (1838-ca.1921) was a Florentine medalist and coin engraver trained at the Accademia. His son also worked in his shop. Gori produced the official commemorative medal of the 1875 celebrations, with designs by Giovanni Antonio Santarelli and Nicola Farnesi (see separate entry).

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