Lodovico Maria Sforza, called il Moro, 1452-1508, 7th Duke of Milan 1494-1500 [obverse] c. 1488

This is a bronze portrait medal of Lodovico Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, made around 1500 by Caradosso Foppa. The material itself speaks to power. Bronze, though not as precious as gold or silver, was a durable and visually impressive medium, achieved through the sophisticated process of casting. The sharp detail you see, from the Duke's profile to the surrounding Latin inscription, required a master’s hand in carving the original mold. Medals like this one weren't just art objects; they were tools of soft power. They functioned as portable billboards, designed to convey the Duke's image and authority, and were circulated among elites. Think of it as early modern propaganda, skillfully rendered in metal. This medal represents a fusion of artistry, technology, and political ambition, a reminder that even small objects can carry significant cultural weight.