Medal Commemorating 400th Anniversary of Michelangelo's Death

Abstract

General Description: The Medallion is accompanied by a sheet that contains the following: "The Michelangelo Medal, commemorating one of the world;s greatest painters, sculptors, and architects, is the latest in the series of medals designed and executed by the distinguished sculptor Albino Manca. The obverse of the medal depicts the famous self-portrait of Michelangelo Buonarroti that hangs in Florence's Uffizi Gallery. Mr. Manca has rendered Michelangelo's likeness so sensitively that it conveys the brilliance, power and brooding tension of the Renaissance genius. On the reverse of the medal we see Michelangelo's two supreme accomplishments: the statue of David, which he carved out of a single block of marble and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, completed 30 years after his death. By placing the David in the axis of the Basilica so that the conquering youth appears to gaze wistfully at the cupola, Mr. Manca suggests Michelangelo's yearning to transcend his human limitations-- even his maimed and suffering face. This unique design thus captures Michelangelo's triumphant spirit. The medal was created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his death.

Historical Context:

Obverse Description: This side depicts a right-facing portrait of Michelangelo. Surrounding his head is the inscription "1475 MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI 1564". Underneath the portrait is inscribed "ALBINO MANCA 1964".

Reverse Description: The reverse bears the statue of David next to the St. Peter's Basilica, two of Michelangelo's greatest works. Surrounding the depictions in large letters is the verse "THE LORD IS MY SHEPERD... I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOR EVER". At the end of this inscription and at the bottom of the image is the small insciption "ALBINO MANCA 1964". Below this verse and at the top of the image is "PSALM 23:1,6".

Artist Biography: Albino Manca is a distinguished sculptor and medalist who created this particular medal to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo's death. It is the latest in the series of medals designed and executed by Manca.