Sebastian Unterholzer
Stone, 66.1 mm Ø (including frame), 37.1 g
Attributed to an unknown artist from Munich or Nuremberg, 1559.
Obverse: Bust of Sebastian Unterholzer facing forward, bearded and bare-headed, wearing buttoned top. Around, SEBASTIAN · VNTERHOLCZER · SOTTO · M · D · LVIIII · IAR · (Sebastian Unterholzer, During the Year 1559).
Unlike Italian artists, who worked mainly in wax, German medalists would create their models in stone or wood. Due to the more durable materials, these models were often seen as works of art in their own sense and have more readily survived to the present day.
Sebastian Unterholzer (1507-1577), likely born in Salzburg, was a citizen of Munich and later a citizen of Nuremberg. He was married three times and had 26 children. This portrait is paired with a portrait of his third wife, Justina, for the final medal.
Provenance:
Gerhard Hirsch Nachf. 337, 8-9 February 2018, lot 3570.
References:
Habich 1929-34, no. 1440
Trusted 1990, no. 113