Cap of Liberty between Daggers [reverse] c. 1740

Antonio Francesco Selvi created this bronze medal, "Cap of Liberty between Daggers," at an unknown date, but likely sometime during his career in the late 17th to mid-18th century. This piece is a potent symbol of political upheaval. Selvi repurposes classical imagery to reflect the tumultuous sentiments of his time. The cap of liberty, an emblem of freedom, is starkly juxtaposed with daggers. This pairing speaks to the era's struggles for liberation, but it also alludes to the violence and sacrifices that accompany such pursuits. The inscription above, "VIII ID IAN," refers to the 8th day before the Ides of January on the Roman calendar, or January 6th. This piece encourages us to consider how societies define and defend their values, often at a significant cost.