Abstract
The princes of Renaissance Europe regarded a numismatic cabinet as an essential part of their collections, and the Medici Grand Dukes were well known for their cabinet in which ancient coins and modern medals were given prominence. They were sometimes consulted on numismatic matters by their contemporaries. So it was that Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol sought advice rom Francesco I de' Medici both regarding medalhc prototypes of his Tyrolese predecessors and about the ordering of his own coin cabinet. He employed a network of dealers, north of the Alps and in Italy, who sought medalhc material for his collection,and he was also given coins and medals by those who recognized his numismatic interests His collection, kept in theAmbras Kunstkammer and elsewhere, was complemented by a significant library of numismatic books. This interest in coins with their 'authentic' portraits was entirely consonant with Ferdinand's commitment to the formation of representational series of famous men, be they shown in painted portraits and especially commissioned books or commemorated by their armour displayed in the Riistkammer of his residence, Schloss Ambras near Innsbruck.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
