Triumphal Car with Mercury and the Muses [reverse] c. 1480

This bronze medal, created by Bertoldo di Giovanni around 1480, depicts a triumphant chariot pulled by two lions. The scene is filled with figures, including Mercury and the Muses, celebrating the victory. This intricate relief, a prime example of Renaissance medallic art, showcases Bertoldo’s skill in depicting both the human form and the details of the chariot. The inscription below the chariot reads "VOLENTEMEA DVCVNT NOLENTEM TRABVNT", translating to "They lead the willing and drag the unwilling", signifying the power of persuasion and the inevitability of fate. This artwork is a testament to the artistic flourishment of the Renaissance, where classical themes and motifs were revisited with a new and innovative perspective.