SOLDANI-BENZI, Massimiliano: Italy, 1734, Bronze, 88 mm
Obv: Bust (r). IOSEPH. M. MARTELLINI. CAN. FL. S. M. N. HOSPITAL. (Joseph Maria Martellini, chaplain of the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova of Florence)
Rev: Charity standing with children CONCORDI. FOEDERE
Exergue: MDCCXXXIIII
Unsigned
Ref: Ex. Michael Hall Collection; Johnson 142; Vannel and Toderi 107/72;  Weiss BW793

As the legend indicates, Martellini was the chaplain of the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova of Florence. The reverse alludes to his position and the virtues of chaplains. Charity, the principle of the three theological virtues, was at that time almost always represented by a female figure, with or without a veil on her head, sitting with children. This type of representation probably derived from the ancient image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus at her breast.