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Auction: 7010 - Ancient, English & Foreign Coins & Comm Medals
Lot: 274

Italy, Maximilian of Austria and Maria of Burgundy, bronze medal by Giovanni Candida, 48mm., MAXIMILIANVS FR CAES F DVX AVSTR BVRGVND, bust of Maximilian right, a myrtle (?) band on his head, his long wavy hair loose to his shoulders, rev. MARIA KAROLI F DVX BVRGVNDIAE AVSTRIAE BRAB C FLAN, bust of Maria right, her hair plaited and knotted at the back, crowned monogram behind (Armand II,80,1; Hill 831; Kress 225; Pollard 1,187), pierced, some marks on edge, a very fine contemporary cast Estimate £ 600-700 This beautiful double portrait medal was probably produced by Candida to celebrate the marriage in 1477 of Maximilian, son of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, and Maria, daughter of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Candida was acting a secretary to Maximilian at the time. Maria, the wealthiest heiress in Europe, had many suitors, but a portrait of the eighteen year old Maximilian so pleased her that she wrote offering him her hand in marriage. On his arrival in Ghent for the wedding he entered the city at sunset, wearing silver armour, his long golden hair bound with pearls. It was said he looked ´like an archangel´.

Sold for
£1,600