Augusto da Udine (Publio Augusto Graziani), Poet and Astrologer [obverse] c. 1519

Maffeo Olivieri created this bronze medal of Augusto da Udine in Italy during the early 16th century. These small, portable objects functioned as miniature billboards of sorts, disseminating humanist ideals and celebrating individual achievement. Here, the laurel wreath evokes ancient Rome, linking da Udine's identity as a poet to that of classical authors. The inscription "VATES" further reinforces this connection. But note also, the title of astrologer. The presence of astrology points to a culture steeped in a belief in the occult. It also indicates the ways in which early modern intellectual life diverged from our contemporary understanding of science and reason. To truly understand this piece, we need to delve into the social networks of Renaissance intellectuals, exploring their patronage systems and the exchange of ideas across Europe. Researching the history of astrology and its place in Renaissance society would also offer more insight into the worldview embedded in this small but significant object.