Neptune before a Harbor [reverse] after 1562

This bronze medal of Neptune before a Harbor was created by Pier Paolo Galeotti in Italy, sometime between 1520 and 1584. We see Neptune, god of the sea, presiding over a bustling harbor. The maritime scene tells us about the economic and political importance of sea trade to the Italian city-states of the Renaissance. Control of the seas meant wealth and power. Neptune, here, embodies this power. The medal itself also speaks to this. Often commissioned by rulers or wealthy families, medals were a way to broadcast status and achievements. The imagery draws from classical mythology, aligning the commissioner with the glory of ancient Rome and demonstrating their humanist learning. Understanding this medal requires knowledge of both classical symbolism, Italian Renaissance history, and the role of art in self-promotion. It is by bringing these elements together that we arrive at a richer understanding of the art.