Opening for Worship of the Chiesa del Gesù, Rome 1575

This bronze medal, celebrating the opening for worship of the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, was made by Giovanni Vincenzo Melone sometime before 1589. Crafted using techniques of striking or casting, its creation would have required specialized skills in metalworking and die-making. The level of detail achieved in such a small format—see how the building's facade is rendered—speaks to the expertise of the artist, and also the value placed on such commemorative objects. Bronze, a relatively durable and inexpensive material, allowed for the wider distribution of these medals, connecting the Church to a broader audience. Consider, too, the labor and resources involved in mining, smelting, and processing the metal, reflecting the economic systems underpinning artistic production in this period. Medals like this one occupy an interesting space between art, craft, and industry, reminding us of the complex relationships between these categories in the history of design.