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Bronze medal of Charles VIII of France, attributed to Niccolo Spinelli; Florence, 1494-95: CM.M.3794-R

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Titles

Bronze medal of Charles VIII of France, attributed to Niccolo Spinelli; Florence, 1494-95

Maker(s)

Maker: Spinelli, Niccolo (1430-1514)
Ruler: Charles VIII (1483-1498)

Entities

Categories

Description

Charles VIII personally led an aggressive campaign to annex large parts of Italy in 1494-5. He swept from north to south, entering Pisa, Florence, Rome and Naples, by which time an effective force, the Holy League of Venice, was being assembled against him. Recognising he was out classed, he beat a retreat with his army to France.

This piece belongs to a group of medals of French military leaders and courtiers present on the campaign, evidently commissioned during the French occupation of Florence in 1494-5. They are unsigned, but their style suggests an attribution to Spinelli.

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 93 mm

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Unknown by Unknown

Dating

1494 - 1495

Materials used in production

Bronze

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.M.3794-R
Primary reference Number: 227242

Audit data

Created: Wednesday 19 June 2019 Updated: Tuesday 22 July 2025

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Coins and Medals

Citation for print

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The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Bronze medal of Charles VIII of France, attributed to Niccolo Spinelli; Florence, 1494-95" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/227242 Accessed: 2025-12-06 10:46:15

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/227242 |title=Bronze medal of Charles VIII of France, attributed to Niccolo Spinelli; Florence, 1494-95 |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-06 10:46:15|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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