Antico's teacher may have been Cristoforo di Geremia, a goldsmith-sculptor who worked for the Papal court in Rome and for the Gonzagas in Mantua. His medals recall the format and symbolism of ancient Roman coins like the two sestertii (see link). Cristoforo's fidelity to the antique — as well as his creativity — informed Antico's approach to the Renaissance art form of the portrait medal.
The large figures clasping hands on the reverse of the medal of Emperor Constantine (1) are oversized renditions of those on ancient coins celebrating peace. The abbreviation, SC (the Senate having been Consulted), is an issue statement found on Roman coins that lends the medal antique authenticity. The triumphal procession on the reverse of the medal of Ludovico Scarampi (2) commemorates a Renaissance military victory in a convincing classical style. This work is about the same size as a large Roman sestertius.
1. Cristoforo di Geremia (active 1456–1476) Constantine the Great (obverse) Concordia Augustorum (reverse shown)
1468
Bronze
Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher Collection
2. Cristoforo di Geremia (active 1456–1476) Ludovico Scarampi (obverse) Triumphal Procession (reverse shown)
c. 1439–40
Bronze
Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher Collection
