Angelo Poliziano (1454–1494) and Maria Poliziana 15th century

Niccolò Fiorentino created this bronze medal, portraying Angelo Poliziano, during the Italian Renaissance. The profile portrait, a revival of classical antiquity, signals the sitter's humanist interests, and social standing. The very act of immortalizing a likeness on a medal harkens back to the Roman emperors, where the profile represented power, authority, and a lasting legacy. Medals such as these were not merely commemorative; they served as tools for crafting an individual's public persona. The carefully chosen hairstyle, reminiscent of Roman portraiture, connects Poliziano to the wisdom of the ancient world. Consider how the concept of the "profile" has evolved. From the stoic visages on ancient coins to its presence in modern-day social media, the profile continues to be a curated representation of identity. This carefully constructed image on the coin reflects the subject's desire to be remembered in a certain light, playing on our deep-seated psychological need to leave a mark on the world. This medal becomes a poignant emblem of human aspirations and vanities.