Giulia Pratonieri of Reggio Emilia as Diana c. late 16th century

Gian Antonio Signoretti made this metal medallion of Giulia Pratonieri in the late 16th century, immortalizing her as Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. The relatively small size of this piece speaks to the intimate nature of its function. Medallions like this one were often made in series, and given as gifts between close friends, lovers, or family members. Diana's head is sharply rendered in profile, and the artist has convincingly modeled the soft folds of her dress. The metal from which the coin has been made would have been heated to a very high temperature, before being carefully pressed into a die. Consider the labor and skill involved in the production of the object: the sculpting of the original form, the cutting of the die, and the casting itself, a collaboration of artistry and craft. Pieces like this invite us to broaden our understanding of art history, one that includes the nuances of materials, making, and context.