Jean de Talaru, died 1550, Canon of Fourvière 1517 1518

This bronze medal was crafted in 1518 by an anonymous medalist, depicting Jean de Talaru, a canon of Fourvière. Talaru is portrayed in profile, wearing the garb emblematic of his religious office. The profile portrait itself, a direct echo of ancient Roman coinage, signifies power and authority. This artistic choice revives classical ideals, subtly intertwining Talaru's identity with the grandeur of bygone empires. The hat he wears carries its own symbolic weight. Head coverings denote status and piety, echoing across centuries from bishops' mitres to scholars' caps. Consider how the simple act of covering the head can transform a person into a symbol of authority and reverence. This symbolic language, deeply embedded in our collective memory, continues to resonate, influencing how we perceive those in positions of power. It’s as if, subconsciously, we recognize and respond to these age-old visual cues. The past is never truly gone. It lives within these images, shaping our present perceptions.