The Constellation Capricorn [reverse] 1537

This bronze medal, crafted by Domenico di Polo de' Vetri, depicts the constellation Capricornus, a symbol laden with ancient celestial and earthly meanings. We see a goat leaping, its form echoing the mythological creature associated with the zodiac sign, positioned beneath a cluster of stars. The goat, a symbol of virility and determination, reaches back to ancient Babylonian imagery, where constellations were mapped onto the human psyche, influencing one's destiny. The stars themselves, glittering points of cosmic order, suggest a divine influence on human affairs. Consider how the goat motif appears in earlier Greek and Roman art, often linked to Pan, a god of nature and instinct. This symbol recurs through the ages, even finding new life in modern corporate logos, stripped of its celestial context but retaining an echo of power and ambition. Such imagery resonates because it taps into our primal understanding of order. We are drawn to symbols that promise guidance through the chaos of existence. This medal serves not only as an artistic creation but also a potent, psychological mirror reflecting humanity's enduring search for meaning.