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Portrait medal of Niccolò Michiel (obverse); Alidea Contarini (reverse)

ca. 1500
Not on view
One of the most sympathetic portrait medals of the Italian Renaissance, this work conveys Niccolò Michiel’s age with great economy—hollow cheeks, tight lips, and an introspective mien. Michiel held various posts in the Venetian government and served as an ambassador. The medal was cast on the occasion of Michiel’s appointment as procurator of San Marco in 1500. In keeping with the spirit of the Venetian Republic, however, he and his wife (portrayed on the reverse) appear as modest citizens of indeterminate rank.
Alidea Contarini, the wife of Niccolò Michiel (portrayed on the obverse), is rendered with the same uncompromising directness and modesty as her husband, as evidenced by the sagging flesh of aging cheeks and the thick neck.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait medal of Niccolò Michiel (obverse); Alidea Contarini (reverse)
  • Artist: Fra Antonio da Brescia (active ca. 1485–1525)
  • Date: ca. 1500
  • Culture: Italian, Venice
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: Diam. 7 cm, wt. 138.73 g.
  • Classification: Medals
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1263
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

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Simone Michieli, Canon of Verona (1498–1535), Fra Antonio da Brescia, Bronze, olive-brown patina, cast, Northern Italian
Simone Michieli, Canon of Verona (1498–1535)
Fra Antonio da Brescia
probably ca. 1515–25
Medal: Girolamo Savorgnan or Savorniano, Fra Antonio da Brescia, Bronze, Italian, Venice
Medal: Girolamo Savorgnan or Savorniano
Fra Antonio da Brescia
model before 1514 (cast 19th century)
Restello, Poplar. Carved, gilt; orangebole, blue and red tempera., Italian, Venice
Restello
Italian, Venice
early 16th century
Pilgrim flask, Italian , Venetian, early 16th century, Colorless (slightly tan) nonlead glass. Blown, enameled, gilt., Italian (Venice)
Pilgrim flask
Italian
ca. 1500–1525
Armorial flask, Colorless (slightly gray) and opaque white nonlead glass. Blown, "vetro a retorti", enameled, gilt., Venetian or façon de Venise, possibly Saxony
Armorial flask
Venetian or façon de Venise, possibly Saxony
mid-16th century

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