Three Crowns: Constantinople, Iconium, and Trebizond [reverse] c. 1480

Gentile Bellini’s “Three Crowns: Constantinople, Iconium, and Trebizond” is a bronze medal created in 1480. The medal depicts three crowns in a stacked arrangement, a symbol of the three Byzantine cities referenced in the title. The inscription surrounding the crowns notes that the medal was created by Gentile Bellini, a noted Venetian painter. The medal's circular shape and inscription are characteristic of Renaissance-era medallic art, which often commemorated historical events or individuals. This medal offers a visual representation of Bellini's mastery of relief sculpture. Bellini created a number of medals during his career, and they are considered important works in his artistic output.