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Medal: Sultan Süleyman I

Northern Italian

ca. 1525

Not on view

The obverse presents a portrait of the Turkish Sultan Süleyman I, “the Magnificent” (1496–1566). The reverse has been turned down on the lathe, which is somewhat uncommon; the youthful appearance of the sultan suggests an early date for this medallion. It may date to 1521, at the time of the first invasion of Hungary, or 1529, at the time of Süleyman’s attack on Vienna. The medal is closely related to a print by Monogrammist aa, dated 1526, with a mirror-reversed profile of Süleyman. Two versions of this medal exist, one with an extra swag of drapery at the crown of the turban, and one without. The first version probably provided Titian with the model for his profile portrait of the sultan, as mentioned in a letter of 23 August 1538 by Benedetto Agnello to Duke Federico Gonzaga.

Medal: Sultan Süleyman I, Bronze (Reddish copper alloy with
traces of a dark wax layer)., Northern Italian — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Medal: Sultan Süleyman I, Bronze (Reddish copper alloy with
traces of a dark wax layer)., Northern Italian

Medal: Sultan Süleyman I, Bronze (Reddish copper alloy with
traces of a dark wax layer)., Northern Italian

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Title: Medal: Sultan Süleyman I

Date: ca. 1525

Culture: Northern Italian

Medium: Bronze (Reddish copper alloy with
traces of a dark wax layer).

Dimensions: Diam. 12.8 cm, wt. 554.77 g.

Classification: Medals

Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

Accession Number: 1975.1.1249

The Robert Lehman Collection XII: European Sculpture and Metalwork

The Robert Lehman Collection XII: European Sculpture and Metalwork

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The Robert Lehman Collection is one of the most distinguished privately assembled art collections in the United States. Robert Lehman's bequest to The Met is a remarkable example of twentieth-century American collecting.