Zaleukos (Zaleucus), Grieks wetgever uit Locri Epizephyrii, en zijn zoon c. 1500 - 1600

This is an undated medal, crafted by an anonymous artist, depicting Zaleukos, a Greek legislator, and his son. The circular form, with its metallic sheen, immediately suggests notions of value, authority, and permanence. Each side presents a profile portrait, enclosed within a border of text. Zaleukos is rendered with sharp, precise lines which define his aged features and flowing beard, conveying wisdom and authority. The reverse shows his son with softer, more youthful contours. The artist employs a limited range of tones to create depth and volume, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to articulate form. The composition and design of the medal create a binary structure, juxtaposing father and son to explore themes of law, sacrifice, and familial duty. The interplay between these portraits and the inscriptions that frame them invites us to decode the cultural and ethical values of the time. What does it tell us about society and expectations? How does the artist use such a simple medium to explore ideas?