Eleonore d'Este (1537–1581) and Lucretia d'Este (1535–1597) 16th century

This medal portraying Eleonore and Lucretia d’Este was made by Pastorino de Pastorini sometime in the 16th century. The primary material is lead, a relatively inexpensive material that lends itself well to being cast into finely detailed relief sculptures, like this one. Despite the base material, the artist’s virtuosity elevates the piece. Note the crispness of the lettering around the perimeter, the delicate rendering of Eleonore's features, and the texture of her elaborate braided hairstyle. The Este family, being nobility, would likely have preferred a version in gold or silver. Yet, lead allowed for multiples to be made and distributed to a wider audience. The making of medals like this was a skilled occupation in Renaissance Italy, bridging the worlds of craft and fine art. The labor involved – from the design of the original model, to the casting and finishing of the lead – speaks to the vibrant culture of artistic production at the time. Appreciating these elements allows us to move beyond mere appreciation of portraiture and consider the social and material conditions that gave rise to it.