Two Nude Men Carrying Baskets with Olive Branches [reverse] c. 1443

This bronze medal, made by Pisanello in 15th-century Italy, depicts two nude men carrying baskets filled with olive branches. The image exists within a very particular set of historical circumstances tied to the rise of Renaissance humanism, classical antiquity, and the culture of courtly patronage. The nude figures recall the classical world, a key source of inspiration during the Renaissance. At the time, humanist scholars and artists were eager to revive the artistic and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. Patrons, such as rulers and wealthy families, played a crucial role in supporting the production of art. These medals often functioned as symbols of power, status, and cultural sophistication. The olive branches could signify peace, prosperity, or victory. By studying such objects, along with other archival sources, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, culture, and power in Renaissance Italy.