Shield Supported by Hercules and Janus [reverse]

Art Historical Context

This small bronze medallion, dated around 1503 and attributed to the anonymous Master of Coriolanus, exemplifies the refined art of Renaissance medal-making. Measuring just over two inches across, the reverse design depicts a shield held aloft by the mythological figures of Hercules and Janus. The yellowish patina highlights the careful casting and chasing typical of early sixteenth-century Italian bronzes, which were prized for their ability to preserve intricate details in a durable, portable format. Hercules, symbolizing strength and heroic virtue, and Janus, the two-faced god associated with doorways and transitions, together suggest themes of protection and new eras. Such reverses were commonly paired with portrait obverses to create commemorative medals, serving as elegant gifts or diplomatic tokens among Renaissance elites. These objects blended classical mythology with contemporary symbolism, allowing owners to project ideals of power and wisdom. As part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art, the piece reflects the period’s revival of ancient Roman forms in miniature sculpture. Its compact scale and allegorical imagery invite close viewing, revealing the technical skill and cultural sophistication of early Cinquecento bronze work.