Papal States, Rome AE medal 1685 Cardinal Decio Azzolino, eagle and sun EF

Papal States, Rome, Decio Azzolino, AE medal (60 mm, 63.29 g) circa 1685, his bust right in clerical garb/eagle catching star in its left claw while turning back to look at the sun, extremely fine, planchet defect, as Bargello II 161, very rare.

This medal commemorates Decio Azzolino, a cleric of great contemporary importance who served as Secretary of State under Pope Clement IX. Beyond his political roles within the Papal States, he is today best remembered for his studies of cryptography and other scientific disciplines as well as his friendship with the exiled Queen Christina of Sweden, who bequeathed him her fantastic art collection. Alas, Azzolino died only a few weeks later, too early to enjoy it properly.

 

 

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