Bidspirit auction | 13th c. Bronze Medal /

13th c. Bronze Medal / Pendant, Saint Anthony of Padua - Very Rare Early 13th c. Bronze Saint Anthony of Padua Devotional Medal | Round double-sided religious / Catholic medal | Obverse: Standing figure of the saint, surrounded by latin inscription S ANTO D PADOV [Saint Anthony of Padova / Padua] | Reverse: Saint's Bust / Head right view, holo over head, looking at crucification to right, surrounded by latin inscription, and ROMA at bottom | Approx. 34.4 x 29.4mm | It has been suggested that the crucifixion on the reverse side represents the Basilica del Santo Crucifix, a 1444-1447 bronze sculpture by Donatello on the high altar of the basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova in Padua, dating the medallion in the 15th c.Anthony of Padua (Italian: Antonio di Padova) or Anthony of Lisbon (Portuguese: António de Lisboa; born Fernando Martins de Bulhões; 15 August 1195 – 13 June 1231) was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. He was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, and died in Padua, Italy. Noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. Anthony was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 30 May 1232, at Spoleto, Italy, less than one year after his death. The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Italian: Basilica Pontificia di Sant'Antonio di Padova) is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Padua, Veneto, Northern Italy, dedicated to St. Anthony. Although the Basilica is visited as a place of pilgrimage by people from all over the world, it is not the titular cathedral of the city, a title belonging to the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Mary of Padua. The basilica is known locally as ”il Santo”. It is one of the eight international shrines recognized by the Holy See.