Roman School, Alexander VIII (1610-1691), Pope 1689-1691, 1689, bronze, 6 7/16 in. (16.3 cm.), This enigmatic 'medal' celebrates Alexander VIII's election to the papacy in 1689. Noteworthy for its unusually large size and unorthodox finish (burnished figure against a matte surface), this impressive medal (arguably a medallion or sculpture) defies categorization and according to art historian Edward J. Olszewski may be the 'medallion' reportedly placed in the Pope's casket in 1706. Although Alexander VIII is known for his popularity among his subjects and for his charitability, which nearly exhausted the Papal treasury during his reign, his habit of appointing family members to high-ranking church and civil positions garnered criticism.
Keywords:
Roman School, Alexander VIII, 1610-1691, Pope 1689-1691, 1689, bronze, 6 7/16, 16.3 cm., enigmatic 'medal' celebrates Alexander VIII's election, papacy, 1689. Noteworthy, unusually large size, unorthodox finish, burnished figure, matte surface, impressive medal, arguably, medallion, sculpture, defies categorization, according, art historian Edward J. Olszewski, 'medallion' reportedly placed, Pope's casket, 1706., Alexander VIII, popularity, subjects, charitability, nearly exhausted, Papal treasury, reign, habit, appointing family members, high-ranking church, civil positions garnered criticism
Image ID:
The watermark in the image will not appear on the final download.