Allegory of Religion [reverse]

Art Historical Context

Filippo Cropanese's *Allegory of Religion [reverse]*, crafted in 1788, is a finely wrought bronze medal that exemplifies the neoclassical medallic art of late 18th-century Italy. Measuring just 5.3 cm in diameter and weighing 67.56 grams, this intimate sculpture invites close examination, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship typical of medals—small-scale works often cast or struck to commemorate virtues, events, or ideals. The "reverse" designation highlights its dual-sided design, a hallmark of medallic tradition where obverse and reverse together form a narrative. As an allegory, the reverse likely personifies Religion through symbolic motifs common to Enlightenment-era iconography, blending classical antiquity with contemporary moral philosophy. Cropanese, a skilled Italian engraver, employed precise chasing and patination techniques on bronze to achieve a rich, enduring surface that captures light and shadow dramatically. Produced amid the waning years of the Ancien Régime, such medals served as portable emblems of faith and piety, bridging art and devotion for collectors and scholars. Today, this piece graces the National Gallery of Art, thanks to the generous gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin. Its compact form belies its cultural weight, offering visitors a tangible link to the era's fusion of artistry and allegory.