Medal Portraits. The Spectacle of Bronze.

This book is about the commemorative medal, a work of art so small and discreet that fits the palm of one’s hand. It contains on its surface the author’s artistic expression and the manufacturer’s technical skill. It was traditionally admired by the wealthy elite. Between the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, medals abandoned the academic standards and old ways. They experienced technical and artistic regeneration which made them accessible to the public. Portrait, the first topic and the most important developed by medals throughout their history, kept the leading role. By means of a new language, medals represented both face and figure in any position or movement.