Battle of Lepanto [reverse] 1571

This medal depicting the Battle of Lepanto was created by Giovan Federico Bonzagni in the late 16th century. It's made of lead, a relatively soft metal, which allowed Bonzagni to strike the intricate design in high relief. Consider the sheer force required to impress such detail onto the metal. The design shows the naval battle between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire, a pivotal moment in European history. The ships are densely packed, and amidst the chaos, we see religious figures such as angels, illustrating the righteousness of the League's cause. What's fascinating here is the relationship between the material and the message. Lead, a common material, becomes a vehicle for commemorating a victory of the elite. Its relative cheapness meant that more of these could be made and distributed, propagating the League's narrative far and wide. This medal reminds us that even the most mass-produced objects can carry profound political and social weight.