Francesco Receiving the Homage of Milan at the Porta Nuova [reverse] c. 1488

This bronze medal of Francesco Receiving the Homage of Milan at the Porta Nuova was created by Caradosso Foppa, a goldsmith and sculptor working in late 15th and early 16th century Italy. The image depicts Francesco Sforza’s triumphal entry into Milan, a carefully staged event designed to bolster his authority. Surrounded by crowds of adoring citizens, Francesco’s arrival at the Porta Nuova gate symbolizes a smooth transition of power. This piece can be seen as a form of propaganda, reflecting the ways in which rulers used imagery to legitimize their positions. Historical records, such as civic documents and personal letters, can shed light on the social conditions that shape such artworks. By examining these sources, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and society in Renaissance Italy, and the vital role the historian plays in piecing it all together.