Antonio Roselli of Arezzo, 1380-1466, Jurist [obverse] c. 1460 - 1466

This is a bronze portrait medal of Antonio Roselli, made by Bartolomeo Bellano in the late fifteenth century, during the Italian Renaissance. Roselli was a prominent jurist and professor of law, whose work significantly influenced legal thought in Europe. Consider the cultural context: the Renaissance was a period of burgeoning humanism, where individual achievement and the revival of classical learning were celebrated. Bellano’s medal reflects this spirit, immortalizing Roselli’s intellectual contributions. As a portrait, it not only commemorates Roselli’s status but also subtly reinforces the values of a society where intellectual prowess conferred social prestige. The fine detail and craftsmanship symbolize Roselli's significance, inviting us to reflect on how societies choose to honor and remember their influential figures. Through this small bronze object, we get a sense of the ambitions, values, and social hierarchies of Renaissance Italy, while contemplating the enduring power of art to shape our understanding of history.