Arsenio (fl. ca. 1560’s). Portrait Medal of Giovanni Bressani (1489-1560).52.6 x 53.2 mm. 47.3 grams. Bronze. Attwood 404. Bearded bust to left, IO. BRESS. BER. POE. ILL. ÆT. AN. LXX around, inside right periphery APΣEN EΠOIH / Crossed laurel and whip, CVIQVE. IVXTA. MERITVM around. Coin turn. Beautiful even olive tan with glossy surfaces. A nice early cast with some casting pits noted here and there and chasing to bring up detail on the portraits vestments. Some scratches are noted along the profile to outline the main obverse device. Edge smoothed and rounded, trivial flaw at casting gate at 6 oclock. A fascinating piece from a little known medalist who was bold enough to sign the obverse in Greek "Arsenio made it." The reverse legend translates to "to each according to merit" which, combined with the image of a laurel and a whip, relates to Bressanis vocation: a poet, well aware of the duality of criticism and rewards that await writers. This medal is rare, with no recent appearances at auction.From the Santini Collection of Renaissance Medals. Earlier from the Jonathan H. Kagan Collection of Renaissance Medals.
