Guillaume d'Estouteville, c. 1412-1483, Cardinal 1439, Archbishop of Rouen 1453, Bishop of Ostia 1461 after 1461

This is a bronze portrait medal of Guillaume d'Estouteville, created by Cristoforo di Geremia in the 15th century. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, allowed for the creation of durable and detailed images through the process of casting. The casting process typically involves creating a mold from a master model, pouring molten bronze into the mold, and then carefully removing and finishing the cast object. The surface of the medal is smooth and refined, highlighting the contours of d'Estouteville's profile and the crisp lettering that encircles the image. The choice of bronze, and the casting method, speak to a desire for permanence and dissemination, echoing the status and influence of the sitter. The small scale and relative reproducibility of the medal point towards the increasing circulation of images and the growing importance of personal branding during the Renaissance. It is a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can tell complex stories about labor, politics, and consumption. This medal invites us to consider the intersection of artistic skill, material value, and social status.