CNI 38. Crippa 26/B. Very rare.

Beautiful iridescent patina.

BB/SPL.

Leone Leoni (1509-1590) was undoubtedly one of the most important engravers and medalists of his time. During his life, he came into contact with some of the major figures of Renaissance culture, including Pietro Aretino, with whom he developed a friendship. His career was characterized by a true artistic "pilgrimage" that led him to work at the principal Italian and European Renaissance courts, where he established a reputation thanks to his extraordinary talent.

Gifted with exceptional technical prowess, Leone Leoni drew extensive inspiration from imperial Roman coinage in creating models for his coins and medals. This choice not only demonstrates the Renaissance's profound fascination with antiquity, but also confirms the widespread use of ancient coins as objects of study and collection, as well as artistic models.

The medal in question is no exception: the allegory of the Pietà depicted on the reverse clearly appears inspired by a well-known sestertius of Caligula (ref. Cohen 9, RIC 36), while the obverse, with the laureate and cuirassed bust of Charles V, immediately recalls the iconographies of the Roman emperors, underlining the symbolic link between the ancient Empire and the Habsburg one.

Probably issued as a tribute by the Milanese Senate on the occasion of the passage of Emperor Charles V through Milan in 1543, this medal represents one of the most iconic and fascinating issues of the Milanese mint's production in the 16th century, as well as a significant example of Leone Leoni's ability to blend classicism, political propaganda and the highest artistic quality.