Aftercast of medal by Giovanni Battista Cipriani (original ca. 1770)

Abstract

Historical Context:

Reverse Description: The reverse is blank but shows signs of wear on the metal.

Artist Biography: Giovanni Battista Cipriani was born in Italy but spent most of his life in London. He became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. A painter, medalist, draughtsman, and designer, Cipriani helped design the symbols of the Academy and proceeded to train young artists there. He died in London in 1785.

General Description: This is a probable recasting of a medal made by Giovanni Cipriani. The original was most likely made between 1760 and 1780. Cipriani became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768 and designed many of the decorative and symbolic aspects of the school. This included making the Medals of the Royal Academy Schools with Edward Penny around 1770. This medal was probably made in the late 19th or early 20th century as a decorative object. The reverse is blank, as these were often used as paperweights or set into a wooden frame. Cipriani's original reverse showed Michelangelo's Moses.

Obverse Description: The obverse bears a left side portrait of Michelangelo based on historical precedents. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription " MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI". Below the portrait is the inscription "OPUS G.CIPRIANI FLOR." (the work of Giovanni Cirpriani during his career).