Cristoforo di Geremia
Cristoforo di Geremia (1410–1476) of Mantua was a Renaissance sculptor, goldsmith, and medallist. He worked in Rome beginning sometime around 1456 and was active until 1476.[1] He is most famous for his bronze medallion work under Pope Paul II. Cristoforo did a number of medals and jewellery for royal and noble commissions.
Life
Cristoforo di Geremia's date of birth is unknown. He was most likely the son of Geremia di Nicolino dei Geremei, a Mantuan goldsmith whose name was prevalent in documents from Mantua between the years of 1438 and 1480.[2] Cristoforo di Geremia died at the age of 46, while at what was considered the peak of his professional career.[3]
Cristoforo di Geremia studied at the Mantuan school and was most influenced by Mantegna, who was a mentor to Cristoforo. Many of Mantegna's techniques are seen in Cristoforo's work. Although very little is known about his early professional career, it is known that Cristoforo was very interested in the art of antiquity. Many of his works contain various nuances gathered from ancient Roman coins.[3]
Early works in Rome
Cristoforo di Geremia arrived in Rome around 1456. He spent the majority of his life in Rome, but his teachings from the Mantuan school were the most influential on his work. Cristoforo worked independently until 1461, when he was employed by Cardinal
Under the papacy
After Trevisan died in 1465, Cristoforo was employed by the papal court.
One of the most prominent commissions that brought Cristoforo fame was the restoration of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in 1468. In 1469, he was commissioned to make medals for the restoration of the Palazzo Venezia.[2] The pope strategically employed Cristoforo to use the antique concepts he was known for, but had him also cater to Pope Paul II's liking.[4] Under the papacy, Cristoforo made a plethora of medals for Pope Paul II. Pope Paul II often buried medals in the foundations of buildings he was restoring. Many of these medals have since been recovered and attributed to Cristoforo di Geremia, despite the lack of a signature.[5]
Signed works
There are two surviving medals signed by Cristoforo di Geremia. The first shows
The second signed medal from Cristoforo di Geremia shows Alfonso V of Aragon, King of Naples. It features Alfonso V's bust and was probably inspired by Pisanello's work on Alfonso V. The back of the medal shows Alfonso enthroned and crowned by Bellona and Mars.[1]
Cristoforo di Geremia was superseded by his nephew, the medallist Lysippus the Younger, who, along with other artists, borrowed figures and compositions from Cristoforo.[1]
Works
| Work | Year | Work Type | Front | Back |
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| Lodovico Trevisan | 1461-1465 | Bronze Medal | 
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| Pope Paul II | Bronze Medal | 
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| Constantine the Great | 1468 | Bronze Medal | 
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| Alfonso V of Aragon | Bronze Medal | 
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n/a | |
| Cardinal Guillaume d'Estouteville | 1461-1481 | Bronze Medal | 
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| Sacrifice to Priapus | ca. 1470 | Plaquette | 
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References
- ^ a b c Scher, Stephen K. (31 March 2000). "Cristoforo di Geremia". Oxford Art Online. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Cristoforo di Geremia". www.nga.gov. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
- ^ a b c d e Shchukina, Yevgenia (1994). The Currency of Fame: Portrait Medals of the Renaissance. New York: The Frick Collection. p. 119.
- ^ a b c d e De Winter, Patrick M. “Recent Accessions of Italian Renaissance Decorative Arts, Part I: Incorporating Notes on the Sculptor Severo Da Ravenna.” The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, vol. 73, no. 3, 1986, pp. 74–138., www.jstor.org/stable/25159934.
- ^ a b Hill, Sir George (1978). Medals of the Renaissance. London: British Museum Publications Limited. pp. 68–70.
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