FRANCESCO RICCARDI

FORTINI, Gioacchino: Italy, 1715, Bronze (cast), 88 mm
Obv: Bust of Riccardi    F. MARCHIO. RICCARDI. R. C. COS. M. D. ETR. A. CONS. ET. SVM. AVLE. PREF.
Rev: View of the Medici-Riccardi palace with angel holding crown and key above; Charity and Abundance below    EGENTIVM. VOTIS.
Signed:  G: F: F: MDCCXV
Ref: Molinari 46/150; Vannel and Todari 117/86; Johnson p. 143;  Europese Penningen # 1368;  Weiss BW126

The marchese Francesco Riccardi (1648-1719) was a descendant of a family of merchants who arrived from Cologne in 1300, and who purchased the Medici Palace (now the Medici-Riccardi palace) in Florence in 1659. A very rich man, he became major-domo to Cosimo III. The reverse of the medal shows and commemorates the new appearance of the palace in 1715 after its was remodeled and enlarged under Francesco Riccardi.

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