Girolamo Figino, 16th Century Milanese Painter [obverse] 1562

This bronze medal portraying Girolamo Figino was made in the 16th century by Pier Paolo Galeotti. The medal’s small scale invites close looking. Consider the labor involved in creating such detail in relief, the shaping of the metal giving substance and form to the portrait. Galeotti has skillfully modeled Figino’s likeness, capturing his likeness with the light reflecting off the bronze surface. The inscription reinforces the portrait. Medals like these were luxury objects, often commissioned by the sitter to celebrate their achievements and social status. Bronze casting was a complex process, requiring specialized skills. The work involved in the production of bronze objects was highly valued, and the creation of this medal reflects the economic and social conditions of the time, where artistry was a status symbol. By considering the materials and processes involved in creating this medal, we come to appreciate it as more than just a portrait. We see the intersection of art, craft, and social status.