Commemorative medal for the 450th anniversary of Michelangelo's death, issued by the Vatican, 2014

Abstract

General Description: This medal was issued by the Vatican in 2014 on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of Michelangelo's death, which also coincided with the international convention entitled "The Sistine Chapel 20 years later: New breath, new light." This convention focused on the chapel 20 years after the completion of its conservation efforts.

Obverse Description: The medal's obverse features a detail from the Last Judgment scene on the Sistine Chapel's end wall, which Michelangelo painted from 1536-1541. It shows the face of Saint Bartholomew, which has long been identified as a self-portrait painted by Michelangelo. It also features the the inscription "MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI 1475-1564 E. SCATRAGLI."

Reverse Description: The reverse shows a view of the outside of the Sistine Chapel.

Historical Context:

Artist Biography: Enzo Scatragli, the medal's designer, was born in Arezzo in 1949. He is a well-recognized Italian artist specializing in sculpture and with many exhibitions and private and state commissions to his credit. The medal was issued in silver.

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