Medallic Sculpture
Eyes see one thing, hands - another
Art medals, often referred to as medallic sculptures or hand sculptures, are finely crafted small forms in low relief from brass, bronze, steel, and a selection of natural or synthetic materials.
Art medals are highly valued by collectors and make excellent awards for events and achievements, in addition to being meaningful gifts for anniversaries, jubilees, and other important personal or corporate celebrations.
The range of themes, images, and motifs chosen by the artist or client provides an opportunity for medallic sculptures to document, celebrate, and immortalize significant individuals, places, and events.
Types of Medallic Sculpture
Art medals
Medals are two-faced objects, with each side contributing to the overall artistic narrative. They are elegantly displayed within a frame or upon a pedestal crafted from stone, metal, glass, or wood.
Art medal plaques
Art medal plaques consist of relief images on a single side. They are commonly showcased in a refined leather frame or within a velvet-lined wooden box.
Medallic sculpture began to develop as a distinct art form during the 15th century in Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Medals, while sharing historical ties with coins, do not have a monetary function.
Drawing inspiration from the portrait coins of Ancient Greece, the Renaissance artists initiated the practice of portraying the faces of notable leaders, and commemorating important occasions, such as military victories and weddings.
Over time, a custom has developed in which these small metal forms are given to prominent individuals, organizations, or heads of state. This practice showcases art in a compact and relatively low-cost manner.
In Europe, the predominant materials used for medals and plaques are brass or bronze castings, which undergo additional processing to attain the desired finish. Their dimensions range from 5 cm to 20-25 cm.
On rare occasions, medals can be struck through using coinage technology, which depends on a significantly smaller size of the item, minimal variations in the height of the relief, and exceptional precision in every detail. The diameter of the minted medal can reach up to 10 cm.
Each project begins with a commission, a concept, and a composition. Selected images, motifs, or texts are skillfully carved into plaster slabs, modeled in plasticine or wax using precise tools. The final designs are cast in recycled metals, including brass or bronze. The medal may be a unique piece or in a mintage.
The time required to produce the medal or plaque is influenced by the concept, the level of complexity, and the inclusion of additional materials. It can range anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month.
If a finalized design exists, the schedule is influenced by the time necessary for re-casting (if needed) and the processes of packaging, framing, or mounting it on a pedestal.
