Object Description
This large papal medal was cast to commemorate the seventh year of the reign of Pope Alexander VII, as evidenced by the second part of the inscription ‘PONT. MAX A. VII’. The fine quality is evident in the waxy modelling of the elaborate tiara and embroidered cope, in which a saint is depicted inside a shaped cartouche, holding a sword and book.
The medal was executed by Gioacchino Francesco Travani, a medallist and goldsmith who, in 1655, was one of the three Consuls of the Guild of Goldsmiths in Rome. Other related medals of Alexander by Travani in the early 1660s are held in the V&A Museum, London (see inv. nos A.31-1913, A.28-1977, 25-1869).
Born into the aristocratic Chigi family of Siena, Pope Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, 1599-1667) was a scholarly and ascetic pontiff who is remembered for his powerful architectural vision. Alexander introduced the idea of ‘teatro’ or urban theatre whereby his urban projects became grand settings or showpieces appropriate to the splendour of the Catholic Church. His favourite architect and sculptor was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who worked for him on the colonnade in St Peter’s square and the Scala Regia. Alexander died in 1667 and was memorialised in a spectacular tomb in St Peter’s, also by Bernini.
Gioacchini Francesco Travani (Italy, active 1655-74), Rome, 1661
Uniface medal of Pope Alexander VII (1655-67), inscribed ‘ALEX. VII. PONT. MAX. A. VII.’, bust left wearing Papal tiara and cope decorated with a saint holding sword and book inside a cartouche; with date below truncation; reverse with incuse image
Bronze, 105 mm. diam.