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The sculpture depicts a profile relief of a man wearing a papal tiara and ornate robes, signifying his importance and rank, likely a pope identified as Alexander VII from the inscription. The material appears to be bronze with a dark brown, slightly matte metal finish that is polished on the raised areas, giving it a copper-like appearance. The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring detailed bas-relief rendering of the figure, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate patterns and textures of the attire and headgear. An inscription around the border adds to its historical and informational value.
National Gallery of Art · Sculpture
Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, 1599-1667), Pope 1655 [obverse]
Gasparo Morone Mola
- Date
- 1665
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- overall (diameter): 4.17 cm (1 5/8 in.) gross weight: 17.54 gr (0.039 lb.) axis: 12:00
- Classification
- Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
- Accession number
- 1997.114.26.a
- Credit line
- Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
- Time span
- 1651 to 1700
- Department
- CSD
Subjects and terms
- Milanese
- Medals
- struck
- bust facing left
- portrait
- Alexander VII, Pope
Provenance
Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1997 to NGA.
Inscription
around circumference: ALEXAN.VII.PONT.MAX.AN.XI.; below truncation: .G.M.
NGA object ID 103304. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.