Allegorical Scene [obverse] 

This bronze medal, dating back to the 16th century, was crafted by the artist known as Master I.S.A. The medal’s warm, reddish-brown hue speaks to the nature of the metal itself, an alloy of copper and tin. It would have been cast using a mold, a subtractive process that creates a sunken relief from which multiple copies could be made, and then finished by hand, chasing the details with small tools. The imagery evokes classical allegories, where virtue confronts temptation. The very act of producing this medal speaks to a particular moment in history, when humanist ideas and the rise of courtly patronage gave rise to the fashion for such refined, portable objects. This medal invites us to consider the value we place on artistry and the subtle messages embedded in the material choices of the maker. It transcends the traditional boundaries of fine art and craft.