Isabella Mariani Carcass, Wife of Gianfrancesco Carcass c. late 16th century

Giovanni Battista Cambio, also called Bombarda, made this bronze medal of Isabella Mariani Carcass in Italy, sometime in the second half of the 16th century. Medals like these, which gained popularity in Renaissance Italy, served less as currency and more as vehicles for commemorating individuals and their status. Isabella's elaborate clothing, jewelry, and hairstyle visually communicate her elevated social position as the wife of Gianfrancesco Carcass. The inscription of her name around the perimeter further solidifies her identity and legacy. These medals tell us a great deal about the cultural values of the time, particularly concerning the display of wealth and the importance of lineage. The creation of such commemorative objects depended upon artistic patronage, typically by the sitters themselves or their families, and understanding the social conditions and economic structures that supported such commissions is vital. Historical research into family records and inventories can often reveal details about the patron's intentions and the medal's role within a broader system of social representation. This approach allows us to understand not just the artistic skill involved but also the intricate social dynamics that shaped its creation and reception.