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Not on display
The medal exists and the true inscription is known: MERCVRIVS. DE. GATTINARIA. CAR. V. IMP. CANCELL, which means Mercurius de Gattinaria, Chancellor to the Emperor Charles V.
Gattinaria (1465 - 1530) became Chancellor to Charles V in 1518. Possibly the sitter is the medallist or a protégé of Gattinaria.
The medal is supposed to be of about 1530, and was perhaps struck as a memorial after Gattinaria's death. This could indicate a date around 1530; however the sitter's costume suggests about 1545/50 as more likely.
Gattinaria (1465 - 1530) became Chancellor to Charles V in 1518. Possibly the sitter is the medallist or a protégé of Gattinaria.
The medal is supposed to be of about 1530, and was perhaps struck as a memorial after Gattinaria's death. This could indicate a date around 1530; however the sitter's costume suggests about 1545/50 as more likely.
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN



