Securitas near an Altar [reverse]

Art Historical Context

Lorenzo Fragni's *Securitas near an [reverse]*, crafted 1585 and 159, is a exquisite bronze medal struck with remarkable precision. Measuring just 3.71 cm in diameter and weighing31.06 grams, this small-scale sculpture exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of medals—intimate works blending portraiture, allegory, and artistry. Fragni, a skilled Italian medallist active in the late 16th century employed the striking technique, where a die is hammered into softened bronze to create sharp details and high relief, capturing fine textures like drapery and architectural elements with lifelike clarity. The reverse depicts Securitas, the Roman personification of security and stability, standing serenely near an altar. This allegorical scene likely evokes themes of protection, peace, or divine safeguarding, common in Renaissance medals commissioned by patrons to commemorate events or virtues. Produced during the Mannerist era, it reflects the period's elegant elongation and symbolic depth, bridging classical antiquity with contemporary humanism. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Samuel H. Kress Collection, this piece highlights the era's fascination with antiquity-inspired motifs. Visitors will appreciate its tactile quality—hold it (virtually!) and feel the weight of history in your palm.