Gold Prize Medal given to Raffaello Gianni for first place in drawing at the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts, 1852

Abstract

General Description: The medal was designed by Giovanni Antonio Santarelli (1758-1826). This gold medal was given to Raffaello Gianni by the Academia delle belle art of Florence as a winner in the triennial art competition in 1852. The edge bears the inscription "Designo. Premiato Raffaello Gianni A. 1852." This medal was awarded to Raffaello Gianni as first prize in the category of drawing for a depiction of "Moses causing water to flow from the rock to quench the Hebrew people in the dessert."

Obverse Description: The obverse bears a right side profile portrait of Michelangelo surrounded by the inscription "MICHEL PIU CHE MORTAL ANGEL DIVINO" (Michael more than mortal, a divine angel)with artist name "SANTARVLLI" along the bottom.

Reverse Description: The reverse features three interlocking wreaths of the Florence Accademia. The surround includes the inscription "LEVEN DI TERRA AL CIEL NOSTR INTELLETTO / MDCCCXII."

Historical Context:

Artist Biography:The medal was designed by Giovanni Antonio Santarelli (1758-1826) in Florence. Santarelli was a professor at the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts and also worked in Milan, Parma, and Rome.

Bibliography: Bartolini, Lorenzo. Dell' Arte. Florence [Le Monnier], 1852, 42.