Satirical Head of a Cardinal [reverse] c. 1540

This cast bronze medallion, of unknown origin, features a satirical portrait of a cardinal. The artist, whose name is lost to us, likely worked from a wax model, carefully carved with details like the cardinal's hat and distinctive profile. Bronze, being relatively inexpensive, could be widely circulated. Casting allowed for multiple, identical copies to be made efficiently. The material's inherent properties, such as its durability and ability to capture fine details, lend themselves well to creating small-scale relief sculptures like this one. Consider the social context. The choice of bronze, a common material, suggests a desire to reach a broad audience with a critical message. The act of casting and distributing this image becomes a form of political expression, a way to challenge authority through readily available means. It is a fascinating artifact, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social commentary.