Pallas in a Car Drawn by Two Owls [reverse] c. 1580

This bronze medal, made by Giuliano Giannini around 1588, presents Pallas in a Car Drawn by Two Owls. Immediately, we notice how the circular form dictates the composition. The design, meticulously rendered, utilizes the limited space to create a complex scene. The surface is divided into distinct zones. In the foreground, owls pull Pallas. The background fades, suggesting depth within a compressed space. The texture, achieved through careful modelling, adds dimension and tactile appeal. This miniaturization speaks to a Renaissance interest in condensing classical narratives into portable objects. The inscription bordering the design acts as a frame but also invites us to consider how language and image work together. The owl, traditionally a symbol of wisdom, here pulls the chariot, challenging conventional interpretations of power and knowledge. This medal operates as a sign, inviting layers of interpretation and reflecting the philosophical currents of its time.