Sixtus V (Felice Peretti, 1521-1590), Pope 1585 [obverse] 1585 - 1590

This is a bronze medal portraying Sixtus V, Pope from 1585 to 1590. It was made by Lorenzo Fragni, who lived from 1548 to 1619. The medal’s warm, reddish-brown color is inherent to the material, and the texture is smooth, as is typical for cast bronze. But it’s the process of making the medal that really brings it to life. Fragni would have started by carving the design in a more tractable material like wax or wood. This model would then be used to create a mold, which in turn would receive molten bronze. After cooling, the mold would be broken, and the surface of the medal chased and finished with fine tools. The level of detail is impressive: look at the Pope’s beard, or the intricate rope pattern around the rim of the medal. These details speak to the skill of the artist. The medal would have served a commemorative purpose, but also as a demonstration of refined artistry. It invites us to consider the rich history of metalworking, and how these skills, passed down through generations, challenge the boundaries between craft and fine art.