Self-Portrait 1551

This bronze self-portrait was made by Francesco da Sangallo, a Florentine sculptor and architect, sometime in the 16th century. The process to create this kind of bronze relief usually involves making a model, pressing it into fine sand, and then pouring molten metal into the resulting mold. After cooling, the surface would be chased to sharpen the details. Da Sangallo has really thought about the material qualities here. The smooth bronze has a soft sheen that reflects light, and the crisp details of his face and beard show off the capabilities of the casting process. Though on a modest scale, this object speaks volumes about the Renaissance. Bronze was prized at the time for its durability and the preciousness, and it evoked the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The inscription bordering the portrait presents Da Sangallo’s full professional identity as ‘architect and sculptor’, proclaiming his status. Ultimately, the bronze transforms a common material into a lasting testament of artistic skill, reminding us that even in so-called ‘minor’ art forms, there is plenty to admire and consider.