Leonardo Marini, died 1572, Archbishop of Lanciano [obverse] after 1562

Pier Paolo Galeotti created this bronze medal of Leonardo Marini, Archbishop of Lanciano, sometime before 1584. Medals like these were important symbols of status and power during the Renaissance, and their production and distribution were carefully managed to project a specific image of the individual. Marini's profile, surrounded by his name and title, presents him as a man of intellect and authority, in line with the Catholic Church's efforts to reassert its influence during the Counter-Reformation. The choice of bronze as a medium speaks to the sitter's wealth and position, but also to the enduring nature of his legacy. Artists like Galeotti played a crucial role in shaping the public image of influential figures. The historical study of portrait medals involves archival research into the commissioning, production, and circulation of these objects. By exploring these aspects, we can understand how art was used to solidify social hierarchies and express cultural values during the Renaissance.