Jacopo Nizolla

Jacopo Nizolla was a specialized metalworker, active primarily in the creation of portrait medals between 1530 and 1576. His artistic focus reflected the historical trend of using medallic art to memorialize important political figures and events during the mid-sixteenth century.

Nizolla’s documented output focuses heavily on European nobility and significant diplomatic figures. Twelve of his metalworks are represented in museum collections, confirming the historical significance of Jacopo Nizolla prints and original pieces. These museum-quality works frequently concentrated on royal portraiture and commemorative subjects.

Key examples of his craftsmanship include the Portrait medal of Christine of Denmark and the Portrait medal of Isabella di Capua. Nizolla also produced detailed historical records in metal, such as the piece commemorating Gianello della Torre, Italian Engineer and Architect in Spain (1501–1585).

The artist created multiple depictions of the English monarch, including the Mary Tudor, Queen of England medal, and the highly detailed Mary Tudor, Queen of England (1516-1558, r. 1553, m. 1554), Commemorating her Marriage to Philip of Spain (1527-1598, r. 1556-98). His work is held in prestigious institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the age of these historically critical works, many are today considered part of the public domain.