Simone Michieli, Canon of Verona (1498–1535) 1510 - 1530

This bronze medal depicting Simone Michieli, Canon of Verona, was created by Fra Antonio da Brescia in Italy between 1498 and 1535. The medal offers a window into the culture of Renaissance humanism and the role of portraiture in constructing identity and status. In 15th-century Italy, medals like these served as portable declarations of an individual's social standing and intellectual accomplishments. Simone Michieli's prominent role as Canon of Verona would have placed him within a network of religious and political power. The inscription surrounding his likeness reinforces his identity and connection to both Venice and Verona. Understanding this medal requires us to consider the networks of patronage, the artistic conventions of the time, and the function of such objects within Renaissance society. Examination of archival documents, biographical research, and studies of Renaissance art and culture would provide a richer understanding of this object and its place in history. Ultimately, this medal reminds us that art is deeply embedded in the social and institutional contexts of its time.