Alfonso V of Aragon, 1394-1458, King of Naples and Sicily 1442 [obverse] c. 1450

This bronze medal featuring Alfonso V of Aragon was created by Paolo da Ragusa in the 15th century. The material itself speaks volumes: bronze was not the most precious of metals, but it was durable and capable of capturing fine detail. The process used to create the medal was likely casting, a skilled tradition that has long stood alongside those of fine art. Molten bronze would have been poured into a mold, allowed to cool, and then finished with hand tools. The resulting texture, weight, and color of the bronze all contribute to the medal's impact. But let's not forget the social context. This wasn't just a pretty object; it was a political statement. Medals like these were often commissioned by rulers to project an image of power and legitimacy. The labor and resources involved in producing them were a demonstration of wealth and authority. This artwork challenges our assumptions about fine art, showing how materials, making, and social context intertwine to create meaning.