Anna Maurella Oldofredi d'Iseo c. late 16th century

This bronze medal portraying Anna Maurella Oldofredi d’Iseo was crafted by Giovanni Battista Cambio, called Bombarda, in the 16th century. The profile portrait, reminiscent of ancient Roman coinage, presents us with a carefully constructed image of nobility. Note the elaborate hairstyle, jewelry and clothing. These are not mere representations of finery but symbols of status, drawing from a wellspring of cultural memory where adornment signifies power and prestige. This echoes through time, from ancient Egyptian headdresses to the jeweled crowns of European monarchs. Consider the act of memorializing a person in metal. This practice invites the viewer to reflect on the cyclical nature of memory and representation, where the past is constantly reinterpreted and reshaped by the present. The creation of this medal is not just an act of commemoration, but a powerful assertion against the inevitable tide of oblivion.