Medal: Giovanni de'Medici delle Bande Nere 1522 - 1575

This bronze medal of Giovanni de’Medici delle Bande Nere, was made by Francesco da Sangallo, a sculptor active in Florence and Rome during the High Renaissance. The medal depicts a profile portrait of Giovanni, a famous military leader, encircled by an inscription of his name and title. The image is rich with cultural and historical associations. During the Renaissance, portrait medals like this one served as powerful tools of propaganda. They were commissioned by rulers and elites to disseminate their image and assert their power. This medal reflects the rise of powerful families like the Medici. Giovanni’s military prowess and the prestige of his lineage are emphasized through the classical style and the carefully chosen Latin inscription. By understanding the social conditions of Renaissance Italy, including the political ambitions of families like the Medici, we can start to interpret the role that portrait medals played in shaping perceptions of power and authority. Studying such objects and their patronage can offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of art, politics, and society.