Archaeological Museum of Bologna

Ferdinando de Saint-Urbain was an artist of European level. During his stays in Bologna he executed more than twenty medals, among which is the sample shown here. On the obverse appears the bust of Luigi Ferdinando Marsili (1658-1730), scientist, collector of antiquities, founder of the Institute of Sciences of Palazzo Poggi, who obtained important military and diplomatic positions by the Emperor Leopold I and the Pope Clement XI.

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On the reverse, a view of Bologna illuminated by the sun, to the left, and dominated by the astronomical tower, to the right: both symbols related to the activities of Marsili. The medal was almost certainly commissioned to Saint-Urbain by the Institute of Sciences in 1731, to commemorate its founder.

Provenance: University or Palagi Collection
Datation: 1731
Material: silver
Dimensions: diam mm 59,5
Inventory #: 467