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Portrait medal of Christine of Denmark

ca. 1533 (contemporary cast)
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait medal of Christine of Denmark
  • Artist: Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo (Italian, Milan 1515/19–1589 Madrid)
  • Date: ca. 1533 (contemporary cast)
  • Medium: Bronze (Copper alloy with honey-colored
    patina)
  • Dimensions: Diam 5 cm, wt. 12.18 g.
  • Classification: Medals
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1296
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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Mary Tudor, Queen of England (1516-1558, r. 1553, m. 1554), Commemorating her Marriage to Philip of Spain (1527-1598, r. 1556-98)
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Gianello della Torre, Italian Engineer and Architect in Spain (1501–1585), Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo Italian, Bronze, brown patina, cast, Italian
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