Mehmed II, Sultan of Turkey

Bertoldo di Giovanni (circa 1420 - 1491)

British Museum

circa 1480-1481

This bronze medal, one of three bequeathed to the British Museum, depicts a bust-length profile of Mehmed II, Sultan of Turkey (1432-81). The reverse of the medal commemorates his conquests in Greece, Trebizond and Asia, which are personified by three bound women riding in a chariot led by the Sultan himself. He holds a small figure, probably symbolizing Victory. The chariot itself is drawn by two horses led by the figure of Mars, god of war. The reclining male figure below holding a trident represents the sea, and the woman with a cornucopia, the earth.

• Medium: bronze
• Dimensions: diameter: 9.3cm
• ArtFunded in: 1919
• Presented by Henry Van den Bergh through The Art Fund

Provenance

Collection of S Pozzi

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