Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576)

Medalist: Antonio Abondio Italian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520

These medal portrayals of the Holy Roman Emperor and his wife Maria (see also 1989.12.3) are cast separate with plain reverse, but the couple can be found united on one medal as well. The separation of the images allowed to compare both captivating profiles as companion pieces side by side, but also enabled craftsmen to incorporate them in other Kunstkammer and presentation objects, such as ebony cabinets or boxes, silver drinking vessels, or precious jewelry mounts. Abondio entered the service of Emperor Maximillian II (r. 1564–76) in Vienna in 1566 and was kept on by his son Rudolf II (r. 1576–1612). The artist later moved with the imperial court from Vienna to Prague. His strength was in the imposing characterization of princely portraiture in which he never neglected his love for minute ornamental details.

Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576), Medalist: Antonio Abondio (Italian, Trento 1538–1591 Vienna), Silver, Italian

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Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576), Medalist: Antonio Abondio (Italian, Trento 1538–1591 Vienna), Silver, Italian
Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576), Medalist: Antonio Abondio (Italian, Trento 1538–1591 Vienna), Silver, Italian

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