Pope Sixtus IV (Francesco della Rovere, 1471–1484) 15th century

This is Andrea Guazzalotti's bronze medal portraying Pope Sixtus IV, made sometime between 1471 and 1484. During the Renaissance, powerful individuals such as Pope Sixtus sought to immortalize themselves through art. The medal format, drawing from ancient Roman traditions, became a popular way to disseminate a ruler's image and project authority. Sixtus, a patron of the arts, used these kinds of objects to broadcast his power and influence. Consider the visual language here. Sixtus is depicted in profile, a common trope for portraying rulers, emphasizing his noble features and resolute gaze. His elaborate attire denotes his high status within the church hierarchy. The inscription surrounding his portrait further reinforces his identity as a renovator of Rome. This medal reflects how those in power shape their own narrative and how art becomes a tool for constructing and maintaining that power. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, identity, and power.