Portrait medal of Christine of Denmark
Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo
ca. 1533 (contemporary cast) · Bronze (Copper alloy with honey-colored patina) · Robert Lehman Collection
Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo was a medallist, sculptor, architect, goldmsmith and gem engraver who was active in Milan and then in the service of Philip II. This rare medal portrays the Danish king Christian II’s daughter, Christina of Denmark, known as a great beauty of considerable intelligence. Here she is styled Duchess of Milan; she was wedded to Duke Francesco II Sforza, who died soon after their marriage. In 1537, King Henry VIII sent the famed artist Hans Holbein to Brussels to paint Christina’s portrait. The picture prompted a marriage proposal, to which Christina is said to have replied: "If I had two heads, one should be at the king of England’s disposal." The reverse is blank.
- Artist
- Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo
- Date
- ca. 1533 (contemporary cast)
- Medium
- Bronze (Copper alloy with honey-colored patina)
- Department
- Robert Lehman Collection
- Credit line
- Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
