Superb 15th Century Medal of Caracalla

Giovanni Boldù (fl. 1454-1477). Portrait Medal of Caracalla.

91.4 x 91.9 mm. 195 grams. Bronze. Armand I, 37, 4; Kress 143; Pollard 164; Hill 423. Laureate bust of Caracalla to left, ANTONINVS PIVS AVGVSTVS / the medallist with face in hands next to a putto reclining on skull, IO - SON - FINE, date MCCCCLXVI below. Medal turn. A superb original work by Boldù, with smooth glossy medium brown surfaces, subtle brassy highlights on design elements, and crisp details throughout. A small hole is seen at the extremity of the well-detailed hair at top. Beautifully rendered on both sides, a fine example and a prize. Though unsigned, this type shares a reverse with Boldù's 1458 self-portrait medal. The reverse is a humanistic musing on death and destiny, perhaps the earliest use of a putto (a naked child like a cherub) next to a contrasting skull. This appears to be the finest example of this type offered in years.

From the Santini Collection of Renaissance Medals. Earlier from the Jonathan H. Kagan Collection of Renaissance Medals.

Estimate: $10000.00 - $20000.00