A Governor Receiving a Man with a Bridle [reverse] 1523 - 1524

This bronze medal, created by Antonio Vicentino in the mid-16th century, captures a scene of governance and submission. Its circular form confines the narrative, pushing us to focus on the interplay of figures and symbolic elements. The composition is split between the seated governor on the left, and a standing man presenting a bridle on the right. This division is visually bridged by two figures in the center. The governor is staged on an elevated platform, highlighting the importance of hierarchy. His posture, the lines of his draped clothing, and his gaze, convey power and authority. On the opposite side, the man with the bridle is positioned lower, symbolizing deference. The artist uses the bridle as a signifier of control and obedience. The figures in the background could be viewed as witnesses, reinforcing the social dynamics at play. This medal functions as a semiotic device, communicating messages about power, submission, and the order of society through carefully arranged visual elements.