Shield of Arms Held by an Angel of the Resurrection [reverse]

Art Historical Context

This exquisite bronze medallion, titled *Shield of Arms Held by an Angel the Resurrection [reverse]*, hails from 16th-century Spain around1573. Measuring just 5.29 cm (2 1/16 in.) in diameter and weighing a mere 40.92 grams, it the Renaissance mastery of small-scale metalwork. Crafted by an anonymous Spanish artist, its intimate size suggests it may have served as a personal devotional object, seal, or jewelry element, fitting neatly in the palm for private contemplation. The reverse features an angel bearing a shield of arms, symbolizing resurrection and heraldic pride amid Spain's fervent Catholic era. During the late Renaissance and early Counter-Reformation, such motifs blended classical antiquity's revival with Spanish piety, evoking triumph over death and noble lineage. Bronze casting techniques—likely lost-wax process—allowed for intricate detailing on this diminutive surface, showcasing the period's technical virtuosity in sculpture. A gift to the National Gallery of Art from Lisa and Leonard Baskin, this rare plaquette highlights Spain's contributions to European Renaissance bronzes, bridging heraldry, faith, and artistry in a timeless miniature marvel.