Alessandro de' Medici, 1510-1537, 1st Duke of Florence 1532 [obverse] 1534

This bronze medal portraying Alessandro de' Medici, the first Duke of Florence, was created by Francesco dal Prato in the 16th century. The making of medals like this involved skills of the goldsmith and sculptor alike. First, a positive model would have been carved in wax or wood, capturing Alessandro’s likeness in meticulous detail. This model was then used to create a mold, into which molten bronze was poured. Once cooled, the resulting cast would have been chased and finished to bring out the fine details. Consider how the choice of bronze lends weight and permanence to the image of the Duke. Its capacity to capture minute details speaks to the power of skilled handwork. Medals like this one straddled the line between art object and currency. They were a means of immortalizing powerful figures while also showcasing the artistry of the maker. By valuing this medal, we gain insight into the aesthetic values and social hierarchies of Renaissance Florence, as well as the elevated status of those who made them.