Galeazzo Marescotti, Noble of Bologna, (1407–1503) 1478 - 1482

This is a medal depicting Galeazzo Marescotti, a nobleman from Bologna, created by Savelli Sperandio. The artwork transports us back to Renaissance Italy, a society undergoing immense cultural and political change. It’s fascinating to consider how this medal functioned within the social and cultural landscape of its time. The choice to immortalize Marescotti suggests a desire to preserve his legacy, reflecting the values and priorities of the elite class to which he belonged. The inscription surrounding his profile serves to further cement his identity. Noble status, particularly during the Renaissance, was deeply intertwined with power, wealth, and social standing. This medal then becomes more than just an object; it’s a statement about who had the right to be remembered. It prompts us to reflect on which voices and stories are privileged over others, and on whose terms.