Overwinning op de Turken in de slag bij Lepanto 1571

This medal, commemorating the Victory over the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto, was made by Giovanni V. Melon sometime between 1565 and 1590. Crafted from silver, it's a testament to the power of skilled handwork during the Renaissance. Think about the process: molten metal poured into a mold, the delicate chasing and engraving to bring out the details of the triumphant scene. The material itself, silver, was more than just a medium, it was a symbol of wealth, status, and the spoils of war. Its cool luster and smooth surface provided an ideal canvas for the artist to capture the victory. This medal is not merely a historical record; it's a physical embodiment of power and politics, and the intricate process by which it was made imbued it with social and cultural significance. It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can tell big stories.