Bramante da Urbino (1444-1514) c. 1902

Curator: This bronze medal, whose creator is unknown, depicts Bramante da Urbino, a prominent architect of the High Renaissance. The piece is currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how the artist uses such precise detail to capture Bramante's features, especially in the hair. The metal's patina also creates a sense of depth. Curator: Medals such as this one served as miniature portable monuments, circulating the sitter’s image and reputation within elite circles of the time. The reverse shows a figure kneeling next to the words FIDELITAS LABOR. Editor: Right, “fidelity” and “labor.” I wonder if this pairing represents not just Bramante's work ethic, but also the idea that his creativity was rooted in his dedication to the values of the time. Curator: Precisely, such commissions served as demonstrations of power and influence during the Renaissance. Editor: The medal's texture and weight suggest a tactile experience, forging a tangible connection to history. Curator: It's a potent reminder of how art and architecture were tools for shaping perceptions of an individual.