Federigo da Montefeltro, 1422-1482, Count of Urbino 1444, and Duke 1474 [obverse] 1468

This bronze medal portrays Federigo da Montefeltro, Count of Urbino, created by Clemente da Urbino. Note how the laurel wreath motif on Federigo's armor, emblematic of victory and honor, echoes ancient Roman triumphs. The laurel, once a symbol of Apollo and poetic achievement, became intertwined with military prowess, adorning the heads of triumphant emperors. We see its recurrence throughout history, from Renaissance paintings to modern-day emblems. This continuity reveals a deep-seated human desire to connect with past glories, a longing for immortality. The profile portrait itself, reminiscent of Roman coinage, speaks to a desire for lasting fame. Just as the ancients immortalized their leaders on currency, Federigo seeks to embed his image in the collective memory. This medal is not merely a portrait; it is a carefully constructed artifact designed to evoke a sense of timelessness and power. The symbols chosen are not arbitrary, but rather, are deliberately selected to resonate with deeply ingrained cultural associations.