Giancarlo Rossetti Preaching with the Agnus Dei on a Mound [reverse] 1748

Antonio Francesco Selvi crafted this bronze medal in Florence, likely around 1728, using the lost-wax casting method. Selvi, a master of the die-struck medal, here adopted a more sculptural approach. The design is first modeled in wax – capturing the scene’s intricate details – before being encased in plaster. Molten bronze replaces the wax, creating a solid metal version. Once cooled, the plaster is broken away, revealing the artwork. The surface is then meticulously finished by hand, using chisels and abrasives to bring out the subtleties of the design. The appeal of bronze lies in its durability and capacity to capture fine detail. Its warm, earthy tone adds a sense of gravitas to the religious subject. This medal bridges the gap between sculpture and printmaking, between unique artwork and multiple reproductions. Appreciating its making allows us to consider the skilled labor involved, and the place of such objects in the cultural landscape of 18th-century Florence.