Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi

Born at Montevarchi, near Florence, Soldani attracted the patronage of Grand Duke Cosimo III, who had him trained as a medalist and sent to Rome to study. After further training in Paris, Soldani returned in 1682 to Florence, where he was appointed head of the Mint and built an enormously successful career, providing bronzes not only to the Medici but to other Italian collectors and illustrious clients in Germany, England, Malta, and elsewhere. Soldani represents the last great chapter in the long history of Florentine bronze sculpture.

Source: Art in The Frick Collection: Paintings, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996.