Altobello Averoldo of Brescia, died 1531, Bishop of Pola, Apostolic Legate [obverse] 1517 - 1521

This bronze medal presents Altobello Averoldo, Bishop of Pola, crafted by Maffeo Olivieri. The profile, framed by the lettering 'Apostolic Legate,' draws us into the world of Renaissance ecclesiastical power. The Bishop’s headwear, the biretta, instantly connects us to centuries of religious iconography. It echoes the miters of bishops past, yet here, it's rendered with a humanist touch, suggesting a subtle shift from divine authority to individual intellect. Note the texture of the fabric, a deliberate choice by Olivieri. Consider how, across cultures, the rendering of cloth has been employed to convey status. The medal as a form itself can be traced back to ancient Roman coins, which, like this medal, served not just as currency but as conveyors of power, memory, and legacy. This circular format, evoking coins of emperors, reminds us of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols of power and prestige are continually resurrected and reinterpreted. These symbols stir deep-seated emotions, and project a potent sense of authority that speaks to our subconscious understanding of power.