Saint Luke Painting the Virgin [reverse] 1704

This small, circular bronze relief, titled “Saint Luke Painting the Virgin,” was created by Ermenegildo Hamerani in 1704. The piece depicts Saint Luke, the patron saint of artists, seated and painting the Virgin Mary. The scene is framed by a halo of clouds, and above the Virgin Mary, in the clouds, is a cherub. This detailed, miniature work is a reminder of the enduring artistic tradition of depicting biblical scenes in the form of a bronze medal.