Francesco Taverna, 1488-1560, Count of Landriano, Milanese Jurisconsult [obverse] c. 1554

This bronze medal of Francesco Taverna, Count of Landriano and Milanese Jurisconsult, was created by Pier Paolo Galeotti in the 16th century. Such portrait medals were fashionable in Italy at the time, and served as miniature portable monuments to the sitter’s status and accomplishments. The inscription around the edge identifies Taverna’s name and position, highlighting his importance within Milanese society. Made in Renaissance Italy, this image exists within a complex web of social and political structures. As a Jurisconsult, Taverna would have been responsible for interpreting laws and advising rulers. His role underscores the importance of legal institutions in shaping social order. The medal serves as a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in Renaissance society. To fully understand this artwork, we can explore archival records and legal documents. By examining the institutional history of law and governance in Renaissance Milan, we gain insight into the social conditions that shaped artistic production. Ultimately, this medal reflects the contingent nature of art, as its meaning is inextricably linked to its social and institutional context.