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PhrasesAt the Art GalleryC'è una sezione di numismatica?
B2

C'è una sezione di numismatica?

Is there a numismatics section?

Pronunciation

Numismatica: noo-meez-MAH-tee-kah. Four syllables — stress on the third.

When to use it

At large Italian museums that have coin and medal collections. Italy's museums hold extraordinary numismatic collections from Greek, Roman, and Renaissance periods.

What it means

C'è una sezione is 'is there a section'. Di numismatica means 'of numismatics' (the study of coins and medals). A specialised but valid question at major Italian museums.

Variations

Avete monete romane antiche?

Do you have ancient Roman coins?

Monete romane antiche — ancient Roman coins. Found in virtually every Italian museum.

Dove si trova il gabinetto delle medaglie?

Where is the medal cabinet?

Gabinetto delle medaglie — the medal room, a formal Italian museum term.

Le medaglie rinascimentali sono originali?

Are the Renaissance medals originals?

Portrait medals were a major Renaissance art form.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è una sezione di numismatica? — Sì, al secondo piano. Abbiamo tremila monete romane e medievali. — Ci sono anche medaglie rinascimentali? — Sì! Anche alcune di Pisanello. Sono piccoli capolavori.

— Is there a numismatics section? — Yes, on the second floor. We have three thousand Roman and medieval coins. — Are there also Renaissance medals? — Yes! Including some by Pisanello. They're small masterpieces.

Cultural Note

The portrait medal was invented in Italy by Antonio Pisanello (c.1395-1455) as a portable, reproducible art form — the first Italian Renaissance innovation in sculpture. Pisanello's medals of condottieri and princes are among the finest examples of Italian Renaissance craftsmanship and can be seen in major Italian and European museums.