Paolo Giovio uit Como, bisschop van Nocera 1552

This lead medal was made in Italy by Francesco da Sangallo around 1560 to commemorate Paolo Giovio, a Bishop of Nocera. It gives us insight into how elites sought to memorialize themselves in the 16th century. The medal’s front shows a portrait of Giovio, with an inscription identifying him as Bishop. The back depicts a scene of a figure pulling a nude man from the water. The inscription "Nunc Denique Vives," meaning "Now at Last You Live," suggests Giovio is being rescued from death, perhaps a reference to his elevation to Bishop. Giovio was a prominent figure, known for his writings on history and biography, and he collected portraits of famous men. This medal fits into the historical context of the Italian Renaissance, where humanist thought emphasized the importance of earthly achievement, and where religious and political power was often displayed through visual means. By studying the patronage of artists like Sangallo and the careers of figures like Giovio, with the help of historical archives, we can better understand the networks of power and influence that shaped Renaissance society.