Figure in a Car Drawn by a Dragon and an Eagle [reverse]

Art Historical Context

Behold this intriguing brass medal, titled *Figure in a Car D by a Dragon and an [reverse]*, crafted around 1519 by a follower the esteemed Bolognese artist Francesco Francia. Measuring just 6.54 cm in diameter and weighing about 131 grams, this petite sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with small-scale, intricate works like medals. Francia, a master painter and goldsmith (. 1450–1517), influenced a circle of artists in early 16th-century Bologna, where such pieces blended painting's finesse with metalworking precision. The reverse depicts a whimsical yet symbolic scene: a figure riding in a chariot pulled by a dragon and an eagle, evoking classical mythology or allegorical triumph—perhaps representing ambition, power, or the harmony of earthly and heavenly forces. Cast in durable brass, the medium allowed for sharp detailing and high relief, techniques honed in Italy's medal-making tradition, which surged during the Renaissance as portable art for collectors and diplomats. Part of the National Gallery of Art's Samuel H. Kress Collection, this piece highlights the era's inventive spirit, bridging sculpture and emblematic design. Visitors, imagine holding such a talisman—its "axis at 6:00" nods to the conventions of medal orientation, inviting you to turn it for full appreciation. A delightful glimpse into Renaissance imagination!