The Roman Medallists of the Renaissance to the time of Leo X

Abstract

There was not, properly speaking, a Roman School of Medallists before the middle of the sixteenth century, and when at last something like a school could be said to have been established at Rome, the art had fallen to so low a level, in every respect except that of technique, that it had become nearly devoid of interest. The medallists who worked there from the time of Nicholas V. were almost, if not quite, without exception immigrants from other cities such as Florence or Mantua. The work of this artistic colluvies gentium, however, received a certain definite impress from the surroundings in which they lived. There may not be a Roman style, but there is a Roman atmosphere, and the relations of the artists with the Papal court give a certain continuity of interest which it is worth while to try and trace.