Battle Scene [reverse] c. 1484

This bronze medal, made by Gianfrancesco Ruberti della Grana in the early 16th century, depicts a fierce battle scene, a motif resonating deeply within the human psyche. Here we see the clash of warriors, a dance of death and glory. Note the central figures on horseback, their lances raised in a mirror of aggression. The rearing horses remind us of ancient sculptures of Alexander the Great, symbols of power and conquest. This "man-horse" union evokes a primal, almost centaur-like image that is both fearsome and heroic, tapping into our collective memory of mythological battles and struggles. Consider how these symbols echo across time, from the battle scenes in the Bayeux Tapestry to the Renaissance frescoes celebrating military victories. The repetition of these images speaks to the enduring human fascination with conflict, a fascination rooted perhaps in our own subconscious drives for dominance and survival. A powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where themes of conflict and triumph are continually replayed.