The Muse Calliope [reverse] c. 1520s

"The Muse Calliope" is a bronze medal created by the Italian Renaissance artist Giulio della Torre, circa the 1520s. It depicts Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, standing with a lyre, a traditional symbol of her role as an inspiration for poets and musicians. The medal, measuring 6.68 cm in diameter, is a fine example of della Torre’s skill in portraiture and his attention to detail. The intricate detail and realistic representation of Calliope are characteristic of the Renaissance artistic style, which emphasized humanism and a renewed interest in classical antiquity.