PAOLO SEBASTIANO ARRIGHI

SELVI, Antonio: Italy, 1744, Bronze  (cast), 90 mm
Obv: Bust of Arrighi (r) wearing skull cap and cape     P. M. PAVLVS. SEBAST. ARRIGHI. PATR. FL. SERVITA. AET. A. LIII
Rev: Sun with features of human face, shining on an alembic     GVTTATIM.SVPERNE.CLARESCET
Ref: Vannel and Toderi 202;  Weiss BW381

Paolo Sebastiano Arrighi (1691-?) was a theologian and prior of the monastery of the Most Holy Annunciation in Florence. Born into an ancient Florentine family, Arrighi took the habit of the Servites, the religious order of the Servants of Mary, and was made prior of St. Mary of the Oaks in Lucignano.  He was part of the group of examiners of the Synod of Montepulciano and Florence and in 1721 was admitted to the University of theologians  at Florence.

An alembic (alambicco in Italian) is a still, often used to make spirits. In this case the alembic, with the sun shining on it, represents the celebration of Arrighi's capacity to concentrate divine knowledge.

LINK to free e-book on Paolo Sebastiano Arrighi (from Google Books)

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