Self-Portrait [reverse] 1541

This is a bronze self-portrait medal made by Leone Leoni in the 16th century. Enclosing Leoni's profile is a chain, a potent symbol resonating through history. This motif of binding can be traced back to antiquity, where chains symbolized not only captivity but also unbreakable bonds and order. Consider how chains appear in ancient Greek depictions of Prometheus bound for defying the gods, or medieval allegories where virtues like Justice are depicted holding chains representing social order. Yet, the chain can be seen as more than a restraint. Think of rosary beads, a chain of devotion that embodies a spiritual link, a connection between the mortal and the divine, recurring across cultures in various forms. Here, the chain's presence evokes a subconscious tension between constraint and connection. This resonates with a collective memory, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol, though ancient, finds new life, perpetually shifting in meaning across epochs.