Standing Female Figure [reverse] c. 1450

This bronze medal of a standing female figure was created by Paolo da Ragusa around the 15th century. The circular composition immediately draws the eye to the figure in the center, framed by the inscription around the edge. The artist’s use of line and form to convey depth and movement is striking. Note how the figure emerges from the flat surface through a play of light and shadow. The lines that define the drapery create a sense of volume, while the textures, though subtle, suggest a tactile quality. This interplay between flatness and depth is not merely decorative; it challenges the viewer to reconcile the object's material reality with its representational function. The figure, presented in a classical style, raises questions about the revival of classical ideals during the Renaissance and how artists used these forms to express new cultural and philosophical ideas. This medal serves not only as a work of art, but as a cultural artifact that reflects the intellectual currents of its time.