A Celebrated Spanish Architect, by Trezzo

Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo (ca. 1515-1589). Portrait medal of Juan de Herrera (1530-97).

50.7 mm. 42.1 grams. Bronze. Armand I, 242, 8; Kress 440, Pollard 507. Bearded portrait in ruff collar to left, IOAN - HERRERA - PHIL - II - REG - HISPP - ARCHITEC - around, IAC - TR - 1578 under bust truncation / figure of Architecture holds compass and square in front of building, DEO ET OPT PRINC in exergue below. Medal turn. Ideal even brown color with darker peripheral highlights offering good contrast. A fine early cast with excellent detail on both sides and no evident chasing. Fields on both sides are finely granular but even and attractive. Edges filed and smoothed. A well made early piece, celebrating Herrera's service as architect to King Philip II of Spain. Herrera's work as architect of El Escorial in Madrid began in 1567 with the death of his mentor, Juan Bautista de Toledo. Herrera finally saw completion of the structure in 1584, six years after the initial production of this medal.

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

Estimate: $2500.00 - $3500.00