Baccio Bandinelli, 1493-1560, Florentine Sculptor [obverse] c. 1547

Leone Leoni created this bronze medal of Baccio Bandinelli, the Florentine sculptor, in the 16th century. Medals like this offer a fascinating window into the social world of Renaissance artists. In Italy at that time, the fine arts were gaining prestige, and artists were keen to be seen as intellectual figures, not just manual laborers. Creating a portrait medal was a way for an artist to cement their reputation and circulate their image among elites. The inscription declares Bandinelli to be a 'Florentine sculptor,' emphasizing his professional identity and civic belonging. The portrait itself, with its classical profile and detailed rendering of hair and beard, evokes the gravitas of an ancient Roman emperor or philosopher. This visual language elevates Bandinelli, linking him to a lineage of celebrated figures. Examining artists' biographies, letters, and workshop practices helps us understand how they navigated the institutions of art and shaped their public image. These objects were as important to the social life of art as the sculptures Bandinelli produced.