Innocence and Unicorn in a Moonlit Landscape [reverse] 1447

This silver medal, "Innocence and Unicorn in a Moonlit Landscape," was made by Pisanello around 1447. The material itself speaks volumes. Silver, often associated with purity and value, elevates the scene depicted. Look closely, and you'll see the fine details achieved through the striking process, a technique requiring immense skill. The design is first engraved into a die, and then the silver is hammered into it, creating a relief image. This was not merely a mechanical act; it demanded a deep understanding of the material, and how it would respond to pressure. Consider the social context. Pisanello was a celebrated artist, working for wealthy patrons. Medals like these were luxury items, symbols of status and refinement, a far cry from the rough and tumble of daily life for the majority of the population. The unicorn itself, a mythical creature, reinforces this sense of exclusivity. Ultimately, this medal invites us to consider the relationship between artistic skill, material value, and social standing in the Renaissance.