Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840) Silver Medal from the Paganini Family Collection

Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840)

Silver Medal from the Paganini Family Collection

A silver medal struck on behalf of the Barnabites Order and featuring a raised image of a lyre surrounded by laurels, inscribed on the obverse "Discipvlis Barnabitarvm Dignioribvs Mvnerandis," as presented to worthy disciples in the field of music. With a small suspension loop tied with red ribbon, 42 mm diameter, approx 29 gr. We have been unable to precisely date this medal. It is recorded in the 1903 "Catalogo di monete antiche e moderne" (Morchio & Majer, No. 908), but we have located no further information about its history and thus cannot firmly state whether it it belonged to Nicolo Paganini himself (pre-1840) or was rather received in his honor by a member of the Paganini family.

With remarkable provenance from the collection of the the eldest son of Achilles Paganini, Andrea (1844-1918), by descent through his heirs. For many years this item resided in the collection housed in the Villa Gaione di Parma: first by Achilles, then by his sons Andrea, Attila and Giovanni. In the first half of the 20th century, the Paganini collection was largely dispersed, with portions going to the Italian State (Biblioteca Casanatense in Rome), the Library of Congress in Washington, and to various private collectors. The present item has remained with the heirs until recently, when it was part of the sale of the remaining collection of the heirs of Nicolo Paganini. Sold together with xeroxed documentation from the original sale, this item and its provenance has been reviewed and authenticated by Dr. Maria Rosa Moretti, one of the world's leading authorities on Paganini. (11120)

Ephemera