Origins and Developments of the Italian Renaissance Portrait Medal

FAIN: RO-10441-70

International Center of Medieval Art Inc. (New York, NY 10040-1189)
Stephen K. Scher (Project Director: June 1970 to present)

Project to study origins and development of the Renaissance portrait medal, perhaps the clearest artistic manifestation of the culture of 15th century Italy. ABSTRACT: Project to study origins and development of the Renaissance portrait medal, perhaps the clearest artistic manifestation of the culture of 15th century Italy. Renaissance development of the portrait medal is related to the growth and nature of humanism with its revival of classical antiquity and its attention to personal glorification. Study aims to produce more thorough understanding of the role the medal played in the artistic and social context of the 15th century. No scholarly work on this subject since 1920s. PI will work in London, where significant collections of portrait medals are found; Paris, where largest collection of medallist Antonio Pisanello drawings are; and Italy for documentary and source material. Funds for travel, subsistence, photographs and casts of medals