Winged Genius Writing on a Shield [reverse] 1516 - 1519

This bronze medal, depicting a winged genius writing on a shield, was created by Giovanni Maria Pomedelli sometime before 1537. Bronze medals like this were not made with traditional sculpting methods, but rather cast using molds. The artist would have carved a positive image in wax or clay, then made a negative mold from that. Molten bronze was poured in, and once cooled, the mold was broken to reveal the finished medal. The choice of bronze itself is significant. It’s a durable material, yet relatively inexpensive, and its warm color lends the medal a sense of antiquity. The process of casting allows for the reproduction of intricate details, like the feathers of the genius' wings, and the lettering around the edge. In Renaissance Italy, medals like these were often commissioned to commemorate individuals or events. The amount of work involved – from design to casting and finishing – highlights the skilled labor required to produce them. These medals were objects of both artistic and social value, blurring the lines between fine art, craft, and currency.