Portrait medal of Niccolò Michiel (obverse); Alidea Contarini (reverse) 1495 - 1505

This portrait medal of Niccolò Michiel and Alidea Contarini was created by Fra Antonio da Brescia around 1500, likely in Italy, and made of cast bronze. The creation of bronze objects like this medal involves a fascinating process. The artist likely began with a wax model, carefully detailing the likenesses of Niccolò and Alidea. This model would then be encased in clay to create a mold, which would then be heated to melt away the wax. Molten bronze would then be poured into the void, solidifying into the final medal. The very nature of bronze, with its golden luster, speaks to wealth and status. Portrait medals like this were commissioned by the elite, a testament to their power and influence. The skills and labor required to produce such an object – from the sculpting of the wax model to the careful casting and finishing of the bronze – further contributed to its value. The creation of this medal blurs the lines between art and craft, inviting us to consider the expertise required to create such a durable, historically significant, and visually striking object.