The Muse Calliope [reverse] c. 1520s

This bronze medal, dating back to the Renaissance, was crafted by Giulio della Torre. It presents us with Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, her name inscribed around her figure: ‘Coblo Mvsa Beat’. The lyre that accompanies her isn't just an attribute; it is a symbol of harmonious order and Apollonian clarity. This very lyre, which we see re-emerge in the hands of Orpheus in ancient mosaics and later in paintings, symbolizes the power of music to civilize and elevate. Consider, then, how this image speaks to our collective yearning for harmony, a psychological echo resonating across millennia. The motif evolves, shaped by the fears and aspirations of each age, yet the fundamental desire for beauty and order persists, surfacing in the Renaissance fascination with classical forms.