Constantijn de Grote, Romeins keizer 1430 - 1476

This bronze medal depicting the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great was made by Cristoforo di Geremia in the 15th century. Its small scale invites close inspection of the material and methods of production involved. Cristoforo di Geremia was a master of the lost wax casting process, a technique as old as civilization itself. The artist would have begun by sculpting a highly detailed model in wax, then encasing it in clay to form a mold. Molten bronze was poured in, melting the wax and taking its place. This process creates a unique object every time, a far cry from mass production. The medal's imagery, with Constantine's portrait and allegorical figures, connects to the long history of bronze as a medium for commemorating power and celebrating cultural values. The sheer amount of work involved in the production process makes it a testament to the power of craft and the social status that came with it. Looking closely at objects like this reminds us to value the skill and artistry that goes into their making, and to resist any rigid distinction between art and craft.