Accession Number
1984/1.285

Title
Pope Sixtus IV (obverse), and the Ponte Sisto (reverse)

Artist(s)
Lysippus

Object Creation Date
1473

Medium & Support
cast bronze

Dimensions
1 5/8 x 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 in. (4.1 x 4.1 x 4.1 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Label copy
March 28, 2009
This portrait of Pope Sixtus IV captures in bold relief his physical appearance and shrewd, worldly intelligence. Sixtus IV sought to strengthen papal authority in Rome, continuing the policy begun by his predecessor Nicholas V, whose portrait medal appears nearby. Papal sponsorship of public works within the city of Rome served as a foundation for this policy. The reverse of this medal depicts one of the most significant public works undertaken by Sixtus IV, the Ponte Sisto, which was the first bridge since antiquity to be built across the Tiber River.

Subject matter
This masterful portrait of Pope Sixtus IV captures in bold relief his physical appearance and shrewd, worldly intelligence. Sixtus IV sought to strengthen papal authority in Rome, continuing the policy begun by his predecessor Nicholas V. Papal sponsorship of public works within the city of Rome served as a foundation for this policy. The reverse of this medal depicts one of the most significant public works undertaken by Sixtus IV, the Ponte Sisto, which was the first bridge since Antiquity to be built across the Tiber River.

Physical Description
The front (obverse) of this medal depicts the profile portrait of a man with a tonsure, wearing a cope adorned with acorns and oak leaves and a large clasp. An inscription runs around the border. The reverse represents a bridge spanning a river enclosed within a border of oak leaves. An inscription appears above the balustrade of the bridge.

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
coin

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
bridges (built works)
bronze (metal)
casting (process)
medallions (medals)
popes
portraits