Pietro Lando, c. 1462-1545, Doge of Venice 1539, with Venetian Senators, Kneeling Before Christ [obverse] 1539

This bronze medal was made by Andrea Spinelli around 1539 in Venice. It depicts Doge Pietro Lando and Venetian senators kneeling before Christ. The image reveals the complex relationship between religious authority and civic power in Renaissance Venice. On one hand, the senators’ posture of supplication reinforces the supreme authority of Christ. On the other hand, the senators are presenting Venice to Christ, reminding us that earthly power is sanctioned by divine power. The inscription 'Concordia parvae res crescunt' which means 'with concord small things increase' speaks to the significance of civic harmony in maintaining the prosperity of Venice. As historians, we can learn much more about this medal by consulting archival records about the Venetian senate and the political role of the Doge. Understanding the context behind objects like this helps us to see the political functions of art in the past.