Portrait medal of Mary Tudor Queen of England (obverse); Allegory of Mary Tudor's Reign (reverse)

Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo

model 1554 (contemporary cast) · Bronze (Copper alloy with honey-colored patina). · Robert Lehman Collection

Mary, daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, ascended the throne of England in 1553. Her initial popularity diminished rapidly due to her persecution of Protestants and her marriage to King Philip II of Spain. The most spectacular of da Trezzo’s medals, this work features a portrait based on a 1554 painting by Anthonis Mor, retaining that picture’s elaborately brocaded gown and jewel with an enormous pearl (later owned by the actress Elizabeth Taylor). The reverse of Queen Mary’s medal praises the benefits of her reign: a peaceful realm and reconciliation with Rome. The allegorical figure of Peace sets fire to the implements of war, while in the background figures are beset by storms, a reference to the state of England before Mary ascended the throne. Under her reign, they bask in radiant sunlight. The medal was probably commissioned by Philip II to commemorate their marriage and to compliment Mary on good government, neither of which was successful.

Artist

Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo

Date

model 1554 (contemporary cast)

Medium

Bronze (Copper alloy with honey-colored patina).

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975