Francesco da Sangallo and Elena Marsupini, his wife

Art Historical Context

This intimate bronze medal, created by the Florentine sculptor and architect Francesco da Sangallo in 1, captures profile portraits of the artist himself and his wife Elena Marsupini. just over 3 inches in diameter it exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity, where small-scale medals served as personal emblems, gifts, or memorials—much like ancient Roman coins. Cast in bronze, a durable medium prized for its warm patina and ability to convey fine details, the plaquette showcases Sangallo's mastery of low-relief sculpture. Profiles evoke the dignified gravitas of Greco-...