Giovanni del Cavino

Giovanni del Cavino was a specialized metalworker active in the early sixteenth century, documented as working between 1500 and 1530. His output, which focuses on classical subjects and portraiture, establishes him as a significant figure in Renaissance metalwork.

Fifteen of Giovanni del Cavino’s metalworks are currently represented in museum collections, confirming his importance within the field. These surviving artifacts are preserved in major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His consistent focus on Roman history is evident in his choice of imperial and noble subjects, suggesting a specialized interest in classical scholarship and accurate historical rendering.

Key examples of his documented work include portrait medals of Agrippina Sr. d. A.D. 33, daughter of Marcus Agrippa, wife of Germanicus, Annia Galeria Faustina, wife of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor Lucius Verus A.D. 161-169, and Emperor Marcus Aurelius A.D. 161-180. Due to their historical importance and refined craftsmanship, surviving pieces of Giovanni del Cavino’s oeuvre are considered museum-quality examples of early sixteenth-century artistry. Although the originals are metalworks, high-quality prints documenting these artifacts are often utilized for scholarly research and exhibition.