Giulio Nobili, 1537-1612, Florentine Senator [obverse] 1570

This bronze medal of Giulio Nobili, a Florentine Senator, was crafted by Domenico Poggini. The profile portrait, encircled by inscription, invokes the tradition of Roman imperial portraiture, a conscious revival of classical forms that echoes through Renaissance art. The laurel wreath, though absent here, often accompanies such portraits, symbolizing victory and status—a motif tracing back to Apollo and the ancient Games. We see its echo in countless later depictions of emperors and heroes, each time imbued with new layers of meaning. The act of memorializing an individual in metal—recalling ancient Roman coins—suggests a desire to immortalize Giulio Nobili. The emotion inscribed here is not just pride, but an aspiration for enduring legacy, engaging viewers across time and space. This medal not only portrays Giulio Nobili but also situates him within a historical continuum.