Part of a Sword Pommel (Centaur Supporting Medallion; Venus Flanked by Mars and Hercules) 

This bronze sword pommel was made by Caradosso Foppa, an Italian goldsmith, sculptor, and architect, most likely sometime between the late 15th and early 16th century. The lost-wax casting process would have been used, with the bronze precisely capturing the fine details of the Centaurs, Venus, Mars, and Hercules. First, the artist would have created a wax model, encased it in clay, and then melted the wax out, leaving a mold. Molten bronze was poured into the mold, cooled, and the clay broken to reveal the sculpture. The bronze, with its inherent qualities of weight, durability, and capacity for intricate detail, would have been an ideal choice to convey the status and wealth of the sword's owner. The work involved in creating such an item would have been substantial, from the initial design to the skilled labor required for casting and finishing. By combining mythological narratives with functional design, it transcends the boundaries of fine art and craft.