The Picchiani & Barlacchi 2015 calendar medal – with a hole in the centre, used by this historical Florentine company to honour clients and famous personalities each year – carries the signature of master Angelo Grilli from Pavia.
The artist, sculptor and medallist won the 2015 edition of the Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture. The award, spanning more than 50 years, is granted to a figure from the artistic world, who has distinguished themselves at a worldwide level through the production of medallic works.
The back of the medal, true to tradition, is divided into 12 sections, one for each month of the year. The front side on the other hand portrays a personification of the four seasons.
“Nature’s seasons are four, backed by their Creator, just like the day that begins at dawn and ends at dusk. ‘Primo Vere’, that’s what the spring was called in Latin; the beginning of the season that opens up to life, to the moods and passions of the earth, to the delicate essences of the colourful flowers. A vibrant, energetic child, inviting us to dance. Our dear friend summer, portrayed here as a vigorous, resting Valkyrie, dreamlike, sun-drenched fields of matured wheat, colourful and flavoursome fruits, hard-earned glee, songs, star-lit skies…But Autumn is near, as the clusters of our love for life fall from its womb, as farmers make their last efforts and the soil gives way after the bright October days; the sun weakens its rays that had made the amaranths golden like chrysalises. It is the night of seasons. The smell of roasting chestnuts is in the air; it’s cold outside; loved ones are remembered around the fire. Winter awaits the freeze. Silence pervades nature: its Voice”.