Antonio Abondio

Antonio Abondio, also: Abundi, Abbondino; Signum: AN, AB, A. A.; (* 1538 in Riva del Garda, † May 3, 1591 in Vienna) was an Italian painter and medalist Wachsbossierer.

Life

Abondio came from a noble Italian family, who apart from clergymen brought forth also a sculptor and was resident in Ascona. With his father, he will have to become familiar with the different techniques of the fine arts, especially the medal creation. So he learned early in major counterparts in northern Italy and is regarded as a representative of the elegant Italian style medal. Influences are noticeable among others by Leone Leoni. Since 1552 its activity is detectable in Italy.

About Tyrol he arrives in 1556 at the imperial court of Maximillian II in Vienna, where he found employment as a Konfettor ( portraitist ). This was confirmed in 1574 its nobility. After that was passed in 1576, he remained under Emperor Rudolf II continue in his position. With this he moved to Prague in 1580 and returned in later years returned to Vienna, where he died.

Work

In his travels through Holland, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, he gained a lot of experience that went into his work. So he has become a leading representatives of Medalists his time, he is considered the last great masters of the Cinquecento, although he was working north of the Alps. Abondios type of portrait design of the medal prince remained determinative next to Dutch influences for several decades for the Austrian and southern Germany. He has thus had a not insignificant role in the development of the early Baroque in this area.

His medals show the imperial family and the representatives of the Viennese court, but other potentates of the Holy Roman Empire and great scholars of his time.

One of the highlights in his work the jobs created between 1585-1587 Habsburg grace medals can be considered. He is, among others, the creator of the double eagle on Bohemian and Hungarian coins.

He has not only made a more detailed medalist with a high quality standard of a name, but also by its wax casting Medallions, through their painting give us today a deep insight into the fashion of the time. By manufacturing the mold of wax for bronze excited he began to perfect this into independent works of art.

His work, his son Alessandro Abondio (1570-1648) continued successfully.