Cosimo I de' Medici, 1519-1574, 2nd Duke of Florence 1537, later Grand Duke of Tuscany 1569 [obverse] c. 1537

This is a bronze medal of Cosimo I de' Medici, made by Domenico di Polo de' Vetri in Florence, sometime before 1547. It offers us insight into the way the Medici family projected their power in Renaissance Italy. The image creates meaning through its careful visual codes. Cosimo is shown in profile, like a Roman emperor, emphasizing his authority. The inscription around the edge, "Cosmus Med. Florentiae Dux II," proclaims his title as the second Duke of Florence. Born into the powerful Medici family, Cosimo consolidated his rule through shrewd political maneuvering and patronage of the arts. His transformation of Florence into a Duchy, and later a Grand Duchy, marked a significant shift in the city's political structure. Understanding this medal requires delving into Florentine history, family genealogy, and the cultural politics of the time. Medals like this served as propaganda, reinforcing the Medici's legitimacy and grandeur. By examining such artifacts, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, power, and society.