Sorra Shooting at a Mark [reverse] 1561

This bronze medal, ‘Sorra Shooting at a Mark,’ was created by Antonio Abondio in the late 16th century. It’s a cast object, meaning that molten metal was poured into a mold, a process that allowed for multiples to be made. But unlike coins, which were also mass produced, medals like this were appreciated for their artistic value. The striking, three-dimensional quality of this medal is due to the ‘lost wax’ method, which allowed Abondio to model the image in wax, then create a mold around it. When the wax was melted away, or ‘lost,’ the resulting cavity could be filled with bronze. After cooling, the mold would be broken to reveal the finished piece. This particular medal is interesting not just for its sculptural relief, but as evidence of a vibrant craft economy in Renaissance Europe. It reflects a society that celebrated skill and ingenuity, and blurred the lines between art and craft.