Allegorical Scene-Sacrifice to Diana c. 15th century

This bronze medal, made in the 15th or 16th century by Master IO.F.F., depicts an Allegorical Scene of a Sacrifice to Diana. The medal's creation involved casting, a skilled process where molten metal is poured into a mold. This process has imbued the artwork with a sense of gravity and permanence, typical of bronze. The sharply defined figures and the smooth surface of the medal were achieved through careful chasing and finishing of the cast form. The making process is integrally linked to its function. Medals like this were originally intended to be held, admired, and passed around to affirm power, status, and cultural affinity. The scenes reference Greek and Roman mythology, reflecting a revival of interest in classical antiquity during the Renaissance. The relatively small scale of the medal speaks to a culture of connoisseurship, where such objects were highly prized. By considering its materials, making, and historical context, we can fully appreciate this artwork.