Claudius, Attended by Minerva and Liberalitas, Distributing Largesse [obverse] c. 1450

This bronze medal, crafted by Varrone Belferdino, presents a scene dominated by the figures of Claudius, Minerva, and Liberalitas. The composition is structured around a central dais where Claudius sits, attended by the allegorical figures, creating a visual hierarchy that underscores themes of power and generosity. The dense arrangement of figures and architectural elements creates a complex interplay of lines and forms. The artist uses texture to differentiate surfaces and convey a sense of depth, which invites a semiotic reading of the symbols. The inscription "Liberalitas Avgvsta" encircles the scene, framing it within a discourse of imperial virtue. The medal's materiality—the cold, weighty bronze—adds another layer to its meaning. As a portable object, it served not only as a commemorative artwork but also as a statement of imperial ideology. The interplay of classical imagery and humanist values speaks to a culture grappling with ideas of leadership, patronage, and representation.