Gregory XIII (Ugo Buoncompagni, 1502-1585), Pope 1572 [obverse] 1582

This bronze medal of Pope Gregory XIII was crafted by Bartolomeo Argenterio. The medal's circular form immediately draws the eye, its edges precisely bordered with textured embellishments. Within this defined space, the profile of Pope Gregory XIII is rendered in meticulous detail. The composition relies on the interplay between the central figure and the surrounding inscription. This careful arrangement directs our gaze, creating a dialogue between the individual and the institution. The use of bronze, with its inherent sense of permanence and value, further underscores the significance of the subject. Argenterio's piece operates within a complex system of signs. The profile portrait, a classical motif, conveys authority. The choice of Latin for the inscription reinforces the universality of the Church. The medal thus becomes a symbolic object. Its form and material carry layers of meaning, inviting us to decode the structures of power and representation at play during the Renaissance.