Alfonso II of Aragon, 1448-1495, Duke of Calabria 1458, afterwards King of Naples 1494-1495 [obverse] 1481

This bronze portrait medal of Alfonso II of Aragon was created by Andrea Guacialoti around 1494. The medal is heavy at over 100 grams, and was likely made using the lost-wax casting method. This is a process involving creating a wax model, investing it in clay, melting out the wax, and pouring molten bronze into the resulting void. The material itself, bronze, was often associated with the elite due to its expense. The making of portrait medals was deeply connected to court culture, a means of immortalizing individuals and their status, and distributing their image widely. The smooth surface of the bronze and crisp lettering speaks to Guacialoti's skill as a modeler and caster. The labor-intensive process of bronze casting ensured that each medal was a unique object, further enhancing its value. By considering the material, methods, and historical context of this portrait medal, we can appreciate how it was made and what social role it played.