Historical and Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss

MAFFEO BARBERINI

CHERON, Jean Francois: France, ca.1685, Bronze (cast), 46 mm
Obv: Bust of Barberini (r)    MAPH. BARBER. PRAEN. PNPS. ERETI. DVX. &
Rev: Three bees lead a plow in the field. TRIA. POTIORA.
Signed: CHERON
Ref: Johnson vol. I n. 123; Weiss BW589

Maffeo Barberini (1631-1685), the nephew of Pope Urban VIII, was crown prince of Palestrina. In 1653 he married Olimpia Giustiniani, grandniece of Innocent X.

The Barberini's were a wealthy and important family in Rome. They included Pope Urban VIII and several princes. In Rome one can still find the via Barberini, Piazza Barberini and Palazzo Barberini.

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