Initials of the Seven Virtues [reverse] c. 1440 - 1443

This is a bronze medal, "Initials of the Seven Virtues [reverse]", created by Pisanello in the 15th century. Visually, it presents a circular form, its surface patinated with time, giving it a tactile, historical presence. The texture is subtly rough, contrasting with the sharp, stamped lettering at its center. The medal’s design arranges letters in two lines, framed within a laurel wreath, which speaks to classical traditions and humanist values. The initials likely represent virtues, aligning the object with moral and ethical discourses prevalent during the Renaissance. Pisanello's choice of bronze, a medium valued for its durability and association with antiquity, reinforces a connection to historical precedents. Moreover, the act of creating such a medal—meant for personal contemplation or exchange—suggests a society deeply engaged with ideas of virtue. In its entirety, the medal serves not only as a work of art but also as a semiotic device encoding cultural values and intellectual pursuits of its era.