# Cosimo I de' Medici [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [VETRI, Domenico de']() - Date: 1501-1550 - Technique: Cast bronze pierced in two places, diameter 4 cm ## Commentary This medal was probably issued shortly after Cosimo I de' Medici came to power in 1537. The obverse showing Cosimo is based on <a onclick="return OpenOther\('/html/p/pontormo/drawings/2/05medici.html'\)" href="/html/p/pontormo/drawings/2/05medici.html">Pontormo's drawing</a> which was the basis of a number of images by other artists, including the official sculptor of the Medici, Baccio Bandinelli, who made <a onclick="return OpenOther\('/html/b/bandinel/1/cosimo.html'\)" href="/html/b/bandinel/1/cosimo.html">reliefs of the duke in profile.</a> 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. ## Related artworks - [Alessandro de' Medici \(obverse\), Cosimo I de' Medici \(reverse\)]() - [Cosimo I de' Medici \(obverse\), Alessandro de' Medici \(reverse\)]() - [Medal of Cosimo I de' Medici]() - [Seal of Duke Alessandro de' Medici]() - [Seal of Duke Alessandro de' Medici]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()