Joanna of Austria
Seated Female Figure
Lead, cast, 64.2 mm Ø, 55.1 g
Attributed to Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo, c. 1552-1554.
Obverse: Bust of Joanna of Austria facing three-quarters left, wearing high-collared dress, with necklace chains and hat. Around, IOANNA AVSTR CAROLI V IMP FILIA (Joanna of Austria, Daughter of Emperor Charles V).
Reverse: Female figure seated left in chair, holding ears of corn. At the base of the chair are a herm, spear, and shield; at her feet, a rabbit. Around, CONNVBII FRVCTVS (Fruit of Marriage).
Joanna of Austria (1535-1573), daughter of Emperor Charles V, was married to Prince John of Portugal in 1552. She was widowed in 1554, and gave birth to their son shortly afterwards. Due to the reverse referring to a fruitful marriage, the medal dates to between 1552 and 1554.
Provenance:
Jacob Hirsch XXIII, 26 November 1908, lot 130 [Arthur Löbbecke collection].
References:
Toderi and Vannel 2000, no. 98
Attwood 2003, no. 79