This brooch was probably made to fasten a ceremonial cloak, and may have been intended as a diplomatic gift or memento. The central composition parallels the main face of the famous gold coin, a ducat, of the Venetian Doge Giovanni Dandolo minted in 1288-1289. Unlike the coin, the medallion is neither struck or diecast; it is tooled and chased, making it one of a kind.
Medium: Gold repoussé medallion under glass inset within a bronze clasp. Measurements: 3.4 x 2.4 cm (1 5/16 x 15/16 in.) overall.
Source: clevelandart.org
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