Savonarola, Girolamo. (1452–1498) [Robbia, Francesco della. (1477 - 1527) AFTER]
Uniface Portrait Medal
Anonymous uniface portrait medal, facing left in monastic hood and gown, inscribed F · HIERONYMVS SAVONAROLA ORDINIS PRAEDICAT ("Friar Hieronymous Savonarola of the Order of Preachers"). 3.3 inch (8 cm.) diameter. With a hanging loop welded to the reverse. Very fine.Based on portrait by della Robbia (coloured plaster, Museo di San Marco, Florence), the present medal is undated but likely dates to the 19th century. An example of this design but with an unfinished reverse side depicting a vision of Savonarola, in which the sword of God strikes at the earth, is in the collection of the Museo Lázaro Galdiano of Madrid, Spain.
The Italian Dominican friar from Ferrara and preacher active in Renaissance Florence was known for his prophecies of civic glory, the destruction of secular art and culture, and his calls for Christian renewal. He denounced clerical corruption, despotic rule and the exploitation of the poor and spoke out against Lorenzo de'Medici. Continuously angering the Duke of Milan and Pope Alexander VI, Savonarola was excommunicated in 1497 and executed in 1498 for supposed heresies and other crimes. (18519)
Art Art & Design