Filippo Maserano, Venetian Poet [obverse] 1457

This bronze medal of Filippo Maserano, Venetian Poet, was created by Giovanni Boldù, probably in the 1470s. The medal’s circular form immediately draws attention to its classical influences. Boldù’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the precise lines that define Maserano's profile, from the cut of his hair to the contours of his garments. Look at the inscription which encircles the portrait, carefully integrated to complement the visual representation of the sitter. The formal structure of the medal suggests a semiotic interplay between text and image. While the portrait captures Maserano's likeness, the inscription adds layers of meaning by identifying him by name and profession. This interplay not only commemorates an individual but also situates him within a broader cultural context, signifying the importance of poets in Venetian society. Boldù’s medal encapsulates the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, where individual achievement and cultural patronage were celebrated through artistic representation.