Christ in the Tomb [reverse] c. 1464 - 1468

This bronze medal, "Christ in the Tomb" was created by Matteo de' Pasti around 1420-1467. The composition is dominated by the figure of Christ, his body rendered with a careful attention to musculature and a melancholic slump to his posture. Two angels flank him, their forms creating a balanced symmetry, while the cross rises in the background. The circular format of the medal imposes a formal constraint that Pasti skillfully navigates. The tactile quality of the bronze contributes to the emotional weight of the scene. The incised lettering around the edge acts not just as text, but also as a formal framing device. Here, the interplay between the classical artistic ideals and Christian iconography, as well as the formal balance achieved within a constrained space, invites ongoing contemplation about faith, art, and materiality.