Vierhonderdjarig herdenking van de geboorte van Michelangelo 1875

This silver medal, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth, was created by Giovanni Vagnetti. The monochrome lends itself to a study of form and symbolism. On one side, we observe a profile portrait of Michelangelo himself. Vagnetti uses the texture of the metal to capture the density of his beard and hair. Turning to the other side, a winged figure is seated with their head resting on their hand in contemplation. This form creates an interplay of light and shadow across the figure's body and is a visual symbol of the artistic process. The medal's circular form further emphasizes the themes of unity and completion. The inscription around the edges acts as a frame, focusing our gaze on the central figures and their symbolic weight. The medal thus presents a visual encapsulation of artistic genius and the enduring legacy of Michelangelo.