A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd will offer an extensive collection of Renaissance and later medals formed by the New York connoisseur and fine art collector, Michael Hall. The Michael Hall Collection comprises in excess of 2000 items, making it by far the largest sale of this type since the Max and Maurice Rosenheim (Sotheby 1923) and Henry Oppenheimer (Christie’s 1936) sales.

Michael Hall has been a prolific collector of art for more than 60 years amassing vast collections with a focus on sculpture. Michael was inspired in his youth by the Kress Collection, a phenomenal collection of medals housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington that are of artistic importance, not just of historical or archaeological interest. It is therefore unsurprising that the focus of the numismatic part of the Hall collections has always been on the artistic and sculptural aspects of the medals which have augmented his interest in sculpture of all origins and periods.

The aim of the collection is to share the artistic legacy of Europe with the American people, a sentiment which still resonates with Michael. He offers his collection to the public at large with generosity and well meaning and with ‘the hope that you will be as successful as I have been in my most satisfying endeavors.’

The auction of the second part of his collection begins with a large and impressive group of Papal medals from the 15 th century onwards, from which highlights include a group of six prize medals of the Accademia di san Luca (lots 1227-1232). Founded in 1593, the academy was setup as an association of artists in Rome for the purpose of elevating the work of “artists”, including painters, sculptors and architects.

The image on the reverse of the medals was designed by Giovanni Hamerani in 1694 and was taken from a painting by Guercino. Hamerani came from a family of celebrated artists and engravers and was appointed as medallist to the pope. It has been said he possessed a purer and far superior style to other engravers of his time.

Intended as an annual competition, although it was not always the case, these medals were given in three classes and in three disciplines, painting, sculpture and architecture. The most significant of the group are lots 1227 (which carries a pre-sale estimate of £800-1200) and lot 1232 (pictured above) which is the only lot to be engraved by Bernhard Perger and has an estimate of £700-900. Other stand out pieces from the section include lots 1245 and 1246, two Clement XII medals. The first is a choice, extremely fine, 1753 Damascened Bronze Complimentary Medal, estimate £300-400 and the second is a 1733 Silver Fountain Medal of San Giovanni in Laterano, estimate £600-800.

The sale continues with an eye-catching selection of Italian medals. Lot 1266, a brilliantly crafted cast bronze medal of Pasquale Malipiero intensely portrays the figure of Peace on the reverse with a sword and shield at her feet (estimate £150-250). A further highlight of the section, lot 1271, a 1687 oval cast Gilt- bronze medal, intricately depicts the surrender and homage of Mustapha Pasha and his brother Hassan Pasha to the Doge (estimate £800-1000.) A small selection of baroque pieces are offered to complement the much larger section contained in part one of the collection which was sold earlier this year.

Further French Renaissance and later pieces also form part of the auction including an extensive selection of medals by Ferdinand de St Urbain and a large collection of Louis XIV and XV medals by Jean Mauger (lots 1321- 1346), one of the most prolific engravers of the Le Grand Siècle period in France. Several of the pieces offered are not listed in the standard works. Lot 1349, a 1727 Louis XV Damascened Bronze Medal beautifully demonstrates the craftsmanship involved in the construction of these works of art.

The later part of the auction reemphasises the sculptural and artistic qualities of this collection with a stunning selection of French “Art” Medals including a number of Belle Epoque period plaquettes. The section includes lots 1394 and 1395, two uniface cast bronze medals depicting Virginie Cécle Louise Doutreleau and Onésime Rosalie Doutreleau respectively. Both medals are sculpted by J J Richard and are rare pieces of his medallic work. The artist was acquainted with David d’Angers and both medals display his influence.

The second part of the sale of the Michael Hall Collection of Renaissance and later medals is set to be held by Baldwin’s on the 29th June this year in London and the catalogue can be viewed online at www.baldwin.co.uk . Following on from the outstanding success of part one of the collection this, the second part is a smaller, modest, prelude to the finale due to take place on the 28 th September, during London Coinex week. The third and final part of the collection will comprise of northern European Renaissance and later medals.

For more information about The Michael Hall Collection please contact Graham Byfield on +44 (0)20 7930 6879 or at graham@baldwin.co.uk For press enquiries please contact Caroline Newton on +44 (0)20 7930 9808 or at carolinenewton@baldwin.co.uk

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