Pasquale Malipiero, 1385-1462, Doge of Venice 1457 [obverse] c. 1457 - 1462

This bronze medal portrays Pasquale Malipiero, Doge of Venice, and was crafted by Pietro da Fano in the 15th century. Dominating the composition is the Doge's profile, adorned with the "corno ducale," the dogal horn. This unique headdress, a symbol of Venetian power, echoes the Phrygian cap of antiquity, reborn in Venice as a marker of ducal authority. Consider how headwear, throughout history, has signified status—linking rulers of ancient Persia to Renaissance Italy. The corno, however, goes beyond mere status. On the Doge’s robe, St. Mark's winged lion appears, itself a motif stretching back to ancient Near Eastern iconography, symbolizing power and divine right. Like the corno, this ancient symbol has been embraced and adapted, revealing how images traverse time, embodying collective memory. These symbols aren't merely seen, they’re felt, tapping into subconscious recognition of power. Thus, the medal doesn’t just present an image; it evokes a lineage—a non-linear progression where symbols resurface, evolve, and gain renewed significance.