A 19th century galvan of a well-known and highly regarded medal.
Made after 1857, as indicated by the clear trace of the numeral 7 (applied to the medal from which this casting was removed), which is the catalog number in the complement to the work Edward Count Raczynski's Cabinet of Polish Medals by Karol Beyer.
Issue description after Raczynski:
Bust of Queen Bona seen from the side. On her head a headband planted with precious stones, magnificent attire, neck uncovered, on it a chain with a medallion, likewise chains on her breasts. Through the center of the medal the year 1546. the inscription in the rim: BONA SFORTIA REGINA POLO MAE INCLITISSIMA ITA ANNO XLV. It is: Bona Sforcya the brightest queen of Poland; such was she in the 45th year (of her age).
Reverse side. Coat of arms shield of the Sforcya family on both sides supported by two angels. Inscription in the rim: ANNO VERO DOMINI SALVATORIS NOSTRI IESV CHRISTI MDXLV. That is: in the year of our savior Jesus Christ 1545th.
Queen Bona, as stated above, passed away in 1559 in the city of Bar in Apulia, where her magnificent tombstone in the church of the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas can still be seen. Nicholas can be seen there. Bishop Albertrandy describes this tombstone in these words: "In a black marble coffin are laid the corpse of Queen Bona; above the coffin is a statue of her made of white marble, kneeling in clothing resembling that of a monk. On the sides of the coffin there are statues made of the same marble expressing Poland and Lithuania, as well as the holy bishops Wojciech and Stanislaw. At the top is a very beautiful image of the Resurrection of the Lord. Around are placed images of some Polish Kings, and the Princes of the Royal House. On the coffin is an inscription in Latin, which we put here in Polish." "To the Queen of Poland Sigismund I the most powerful King of Poland W. X. Lithuania, Prussia, Mazovia, and Samogitia to the most beloved wife, Duchess of Bar, who, from John Sforcya Galleasz, Duke of Medjugorje, and from Isabella of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II, King of Naples, was begotten, the height of the family and the solemnity of the royal majesty honored with the greatest virtues. Anna Jagiellon, Queen of Poland, Stephen I's spouse, named after her Father, brother and husband of Kings, and three of her sisters, to her most beloved Mother she erected this monument of filial love and endowment, so that prayers may be answered for ever. In the year of the Lord MDXCIII. She lived 65 years, 7 months, 10 days.
Silver-plated bronze, diameter 42 mm, weight 50 g.
