Assembly of Gods c. 15th century

This bronze medal, made by Master IO.F.F. in the 15th or 16th century, presents us with a classical scene of gods in assembly. The image revives an interest in classical antiquity that was characteristic of the Italian Renaissance. The classical allusions of the image create meaning in several ways. First, the gathering of gods emphasizes a social hierarchy, a structure that would have been familiar to people living in Renaissance Italy. Secondly, the nudity of the figures reflects a renewed freedom of expression, compared to earlier periods in European history, and a self-conscious break from the visual norms of the medieval church. In this context, art history becomes a vital tool. By researching the classical sources of Renaissance imagery, and the social institutions of Renaissance Italy, we can learn more about the people who made and viewed works such as this. The medal shows us that the meaning of art is always dependent on social and institutional context.