"Mazzafirri, Michele"

Michele Mazzafirri (Florence, c. 1530 - 15 Oct. 1597) was a goldsmith and sculptor and worked mainly in the service of Grand Duke Ferdinand I de' Medici, also trying to get into the good graces of Vincenzo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, in the last years of his career. He executed numerous medals but was mainly appreciated for his skills as a goldsmith. Among his most important works are the bas-reliefs in gold on a jasper ground depicting 'Francis I ordering the embellishment of a fortress' and 'Francis I approving the draining of the marshes' (Florence, Museo del Bargello).