Cosimo I de' Medici
by VETRI, Domenico de', Cast bronze pierced in two places, diameter 4 cm
This medal was probably issued shortly after Cosimo I de’ Medici came to power in 1537. The obverse showing Cosimo is based on Pontormo’s drawing which was the basis of a number of images by other artists, including the official sculptor of the Medici, Baccio Bandinelli, who made reliefs of the duke in profile.
The reverse shows Hercules’s victory over Antaeus, a giant who was invincible as long as he touched the earth. Hercules managed to suffocate him by lifting him off the ground.