Fig. 5: presentation of the Villa Medici medal of honour to Ms Rita Levi-Montalcini.
Photos © Villa Médicis

The 90mm-diameter medal was designed and produced using traditional methods.

The obverse presents a close-up view of the Villa Medici as seen from its gardens. The building's fine facade stretches up majestic while, under the umbrella pine, the "Eternal City" emerges in the background with the Vatican's domed roof.


Fig. 6: obverse of the Villa Medici medal of honour. Two-sided 90mm-diameter medal, struck in bronze, toned. 100 pieces issued to date by Arthus-Bertrand, Paris, in 2008. Photo © Nicolas Salagnac



The reverse is illustrated with a sculpture of Mercury, the messenger of the gods and of the Medici family, produced by Giambologna (1529-1608), the Flemish-born sculptor and architect who lived at the court of the Medici family in Florence.

Being commissioned to design the new Villa Medici medal was an honour and a pride for me, especially given the highly symbolic nature of the Villa Medici, which played host to the finest medallists.
I am particularly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the legend of the Villa Medici, which, since 1805, has nurtured and devoted its prestige to disseminating this artistic fibre of all things beautiful.

In the company of the master engravers awarded the Grand Prix de Rome, it is with great humility and with my whole heart that I issue this new medal.

The Villa Medici houses the French Academy in Rome. This French artistic institution situated on the Pincian Hill in Rome hosts young artists in residence to help them develop their creative projects. In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte transferred the French Academy to Rome.

Up until 1970, the Villa Medici hosted the famous "Grands Prix de Rome".