Allegorical Scene [reverse] 

This bronze allegorical scene was crafted by Master I.S.A. around the 16th century. It's a small, circular medal, likely made through the lost-wax casting process, a technique used since antiquity. The rich, warm color and smooth texture of the bronze speak to the skill involved in both the casting and the finishing of the piece. After casting, the surface would have been meticulously worked, perhaps chased and polished, to bring out the fine details of the figures and the scene. This combination of technical expertise and artistic vision underscores the value placed on skilled craftsmanship during the Renaissance. The medal format itself is interesting. It was a relatively inexpensive and portable form, allowing classical imagery and humanist ideas to circulate among a wider audience. Though small, this bronze artwork reflects the period's fascination with classical antiquity, and the increasingly sophisticated means of artistic production. It challenges our conventional understanding of art by blurring the lines between sculpture, craft, and design.