Antoine, 1421-1504, Grand Bastard of Burgundy [obverse] 1472 - 1480

This bronze medal portraying Antoine, Grand Bastard of Burgundy, was made by Giovanni Candida in Italy around 1480. Medals like this one served as a form of propaganda in Renaissance Europe. They visually celebrated the power and status of individuals, families, and institutions. Antoine was an illegitimate son of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, a region that was then a major center of art and culture. The medal presents Antoine as a noble figure, with refined features and elegant hairstyle. The inscription around the edge identifies him by name and title, reinforcing his status. The production and circulation of medals was often tied to specific political events. During the Renaissance, the courts of Italy and Burgundy became powerful patrons of the arts, using them to enhance their prestige and legitimacy. Historians examine these medals alongside other sources, such as letters and chronicles, to understand the social and political contexts in which they were made. The images and inscriptions found on medals offer insight into the values, aspirations, and self-perceptions of the ruling elites.