Self-Portrait [obverse] 1458

This is Giovanni Boldù's self-portrait medal, likely crafted in Venice during the 15th century. The circular form and material bronze invite a tactile experience, contrasting with the refined, linear profile of Boldù himself. The composition directs our gaze along the strong diagonal of his neck and up to his elaborate hairstyle. Note how the incised inscription echoes the curve of the medal, framing the portrait within a textual embrace. Boldù's bare shoulders and classical hairstyle evoke a sense of timelessness and intellectual pursuit. The linear precision is in the tradition of the Renaissance and yet, the choice of bronze as a medium introduces a tension between classical ideals and material reality. The artist’s inscription, rendered in a humanist script, situates the work within the burgeoning culture of self-awareness and artistic identity, highlighting the artist's role as both creator and subject. The enduring significance of this medal resides in its ability to fuse personal expression with the artistic conventions of its era, inviting viewers to consider the ever-evolving relationship between art, identity, and representation.