Francesco II Gonzaga, 1466-1519, 4th Marquess of Mantua 1484 [obverse] c. 1480

This portrait medal was made by Bartolommeo Melioli in the late 15th or early 16th century, and is made out of bronze. The casting process used to create this medal is evident in its texture and form. The bronze gives the artwork a sense of weight and permanence. Melioli carefully sculpted the wax model before casting, capturing the likeness and status of Francesco II Gonzaga through intricate details of his hair, clothing, and facial features. The act of production—from wax model to final cast—has imbued the artwork with social significance. Medals like this one were a popular way for rulers and nobles to display their power and status during the Renaissance. They also highlight the intersection of craft, design, and materiality, challenging traditional distinctions between high art and craft. The work that went into the making of this portrait would have been highly prized.