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Carlo Grati

Sperandio of Mantua (Italian, 1425–28–died after 1504)
probably Italian
probably reproduction of about 1485 original
Place of Manufacture: Italy

Medium/Technique Metal; cast bonze, with green patina
Dimensions Diameter and weight: 105 mm (4 1/8 in.)
Credit Line Lucy Stone Brewer Fund
Accession Number23.203
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsNumismaticsMedals

Catalogue Raisonné Hill 392.
DescriptionCircular medal of Carlo Grati, noble of Bologna (died 1519). Green patina.

Obverse: Profile bust of Carlo Grati looking to proper right, wearing cap and armor; inscribed at edge "CAROLVS·GRATVS·MILES·ET·COMES·BONONIENSIS" .

Reverse: Grati praying before a cross to proper left; Grati's horse at center; a mounted squire seen from front to proper right; inscribed at edge "RECORDATVS·MISERICORDIE·SVE" ["He hath remembered his mercy" from Psalm 98:3"], at kneeling Grati's mouth "SALVE" ["Hail"], and at bottom "OPVS SPERANDEI".
InscriptionsObverse: Inscribed at edge "CAROLVS·GRATVS·MILES·ET·COMES·BONONIENSIS" ["Carlo Grati, kinght and count of Bologna"].

Reverse: Inscribed at edge "RECORDATVS·MISERICORDIE·SVE" ["He hath remembered his mercy" from Psalm 98:3"], at kneeling Grati's mouth "SALVE" ["Hail"], and at bottom "OPVS SPERANDEI".
ProvenanceBy 1875, C.C. Perkins, Boston; 1909, transferred from C.C. Perkins to Charles B. Perkins, Boston; 1923, sold by Charles B. Perkins to the MFA for $1000 [see note 1]. (Accession Date: April 5, 1923)

NOTES:
[1] MFA accession numbers 23.202-209 were acquired together for $1000.