Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo, 1538-1600, Milanese Painter and Theorist [obverse] c. 1560s

This is a bronze medal, a portrait of Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo, the Milanese painter and art theorist, created by Annibale Fontana sometime in the late 16th century. The fashion for portrait medals developed during the Renaissance, inspired by ancient coins, and they became a popular way of celebrating individuals. Here, Lomazzo is presented in profile, like a Roman emperor, with an inscription that identifies him as a painter. The medal was made in Milan, a city then under Spanish rule and a vibrant artistic center. It is interesting to think about Lomazzo's place in that society. As an artist he depended on the patronage of wealthy elites and the church. He was, however, blinded in 1571 and the medal was created sometime after that, so it would be fascinating to know more about the circumstances under which it was made and distributed. To understand the image better, we could consult Lomazzo's own writings on art theory, the archives of Milanese art academies, and the records of the noble families who commissioned artworks at that time. These resources might reveal the complex social and institutional dynamics that shaped Lomazzo's career and the creation of this medal.