Malvezzi in Roman Attire, Seated on a Monster [reverse]

Art Historical Context

Step into the Renaissance world with *Malvezzi in Roman Att, Seated on a [reverse]*, a exquisite bronze medal crafted by an anonymous Bolognese in 1477. just 7.25 cm in diameter, this intimate sculpture captures the reverse side of a Renaissance medal, depicting the figure of Malvezzi—likely prominent Bolognese patron or noble—dressed in classical Roman garb while triumphantly seated atop a fantastical monster. Such imagery evokes the era's fascination with antiquity, blending heroic portraiture with mythological flair. Bronze medals like this one were a Renaissance innovation, revived from ancient Roman coins to commemorate individuals and events. Cast in high relief, they allowed skilled artisans from Bologna—a hub of 15th-century Italian sculpture—to showcase intricate detailing and dynamic composition in a portable format. This piece exemplifies the Bolognese school's mastery of small-scale metalwork, where portrait obverses (not shown here) paired with symbolic reverses created personal talismans for the elite. Today, this gem resides in the National Gallery of Art's Department of Sculpture, a gift from Andrew Brown in honor of Alison Luchs. It invites us to ponder the cultural prestige of families like the Malvezzi and the enduring allure of Renaissance humanism, where man conquers myth in gleaming bronze.