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Alexander VII: Piazza of Saint Peter's
Gaspare Morone Mola (Italian, died in 1
died in 1669)
Italian (Rome)
1667
Mint: Rome, Italy
Medium/Technique
Metal; bronze
Credit Line
Bequest of Helen O. Bigelow
Accession NumberRES.23.147
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsNumismatics – Medals
DescriptionCircular medal of Pope Alexander VII (Pope 1655-1667), commemorating the foundation for Saint Peter's Piazza. Beaded rim on both faces.
Obverse: Profile bust of Alexander VII looking to proper right, wearing a three-tiered tiara; inscribed at edge "ALEXAN·VII·PONT·MAX·A·XII·" and under bust "G·M·".
Reverse: Aeriel view of Saint Peter's Piazza, showing the facade, three colonades, two fountains, central obelisk, and steps; inscribed above "FVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIBVS SANCTIS" and in exergue "VATICANI TEMPLI/AREA PORTIVIBVS/ORNATA".
Obverse: Profile bust of Alexander VII looking to proper right, wearing a three-tiered tiara; inscribed at edge "ALEXAN·VII·PONT·MAX·A·XII·" and under bust "G·M·".
Reverse: Aeriel view of Saint Peter's Piazza, showing the facade, three colonades, two fountains, central obelisk, and steps; inscribed above "FVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIBVS SANCTIS" and in exergue "VATICANI TEMPLI/AREA PORTIVIBVS/ORNATA".
InscriptionsObverse: Inscribed at edge "ALEXAN·VII·PONT·MAX·A·XII·" and under bust "G·M·".
Reverse: Inscribed above "FVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIBVS SANCTIS" and in exergue "VATICANI TEMPLI/AREA PORTIVIBVS/ORNATA".
Reverse: Inscribed above "FVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIBVS SANCTIS" and in exergue "VATICANI TEMPLI/AREA PORTIVIBVS/ORNATA".
Provenance1923, Helen O. Bigelow; 1923, bequest of Helen O. Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 3, 1923)