Medal:  Bust of Gianfrancesco Boniperti by Pastorino de Pastorini

Medal: Bust of Gianfrancesco Boniperti

1547 - 1553

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Artwork details

Medium
metal, sculpture
Dimensions
Diam. 3.9 cm, wt. 26.02 g.
Location
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Copyright
Public Domain

Tags

#portrait#medal#metal#sculpture#11_renaissance#sculpture#italian-renaissance#profile

About this artwork

This is a bronze medal portraying Gianfrancesco Boniperti, created by Pastorino de Pastorini during the Renaissance. The circular form, defined by an outer beaded ring, immediately presents a structured, self-contained universe. The bust of Boniperti is rendered in high relief, a deliberate artistic choice that invites a tactile experience. The detailed texture of his hair and beard contrasts with the smoother surfaces of his garments. This contrast enhances the dimensionality of the portrait, drawing our eye to the individualized features of Boniperti. Note how the inscription encircles the portrait, framing the image and adding another layer to the composition. The very act of casting a portrait in bronze elevates the subject to a level of permanence. The medal, as a portable object, disseminates an ideal image across time and space. The material and form function in harmony to convey power and prestige, reflecting both Renaissance humanism and a keen awareness of classical precedent.

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