Hercules Bearing the Celestial Globe [reverse]

This medal was made by Gianpaolo Poggini, most likely in Italy, sometime in the 16th century. It's made of silver, and it's a compelling example of the medalist's art. Consider the processes involved in its creation. First, the silver would have been mined and refined, requiring considerable labor. Then, Poggini, a highly skilled artisan, would have used tools to cut the die, a mold that would then be used to strike the image onto the silver disc. The image of Hercules, straining under the weight of the globe, is not just a representation, but a physical embodiment of labor. Look closely, and you can see the incredible detail that Poggini was able to achieve: the musculature of Hercules, the intricate patterns on the globe. The medal is a testament to Poggini's skill, but also to the social and economic systems that allowed for its creation. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can tell big stories about labor, skill, and the relationship between art and craft.