Overlijden van Benedetto Cairoli 1889 1889

This bronze medal, commemorating the death of Benedetto Cairoli, was crafted in 1889 by Alfredo Sirletti. Its circular form is structured into two distinct sides, each with a unique interplay of relief and inscription, inviting a tactile and visual exploration. The obverse side features a high-relief profile portrait of Cairoli, surrounded by an incised inscription of his name. The portrait's detailed modelling captures his likeness and the dignified textures of his attire. Flipping the medal, the reverse presents an inscription encircling a smooth, undecorated field. This contrast between figuration and abstraction creates a dialogue about representation and memory. The medal’s design employs a semiotic system where the portrait functions as a signifier of identity, while the inscription serves as a textual anchor, fixing the medal's meaning within a specific historical context. Yet, this medal exists as a cultural artifact, its significance evolving through continued engagement and interpretation.