Galley in Full Sail [reverse] c. 1510

"Galley in Full Sail [reverse]" is a bronze medal, created around 1510 by the artist Mea. The medal depicts a galley ship with its sails full, sailing across a choppy sea. The artist, Mea, was a contemporary of the Renaissance and their short life (1510-1520) is reflected in the simplistic yet powerful imagery on the medal. The detail of the ship and the waves creates a sense of movement and life, making the medal a striking example of Renaissance artistry, even at such a small scale. The detail of the ship and the waves suggests a strong seafaring theme, perhaps reflecting the importance of maritime trade and exploration during the Renaissance period.