medallion
Sign in to savethumb|Obverse of medal distributed by Cecilia Gonzaga's family to political allies, a common practice in [[Renaissance Europe. Designed by Pisanello in 1448.]] thumb|Reverse of the same medal, this copy with a suspension hole added later (inside a crescent moon in the design). thumb|Medal depicting Herbert Hoover|Herbert C. Hoover by Devreese Godefroi
AI overview
A medallion is a small, flat piece of metal, typically circular, that is often designed by artists and distributed as a gift or commemorative object, as exemplified by Renaissance medals created by artists like Pisanello. Medallions matter because they served important social and political functions—such as building alliances—and represent significant artistic achievements, with some becoming valuable historical artifacts and examples of fine craftsmanship.
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Article
14 sectionsContents
- Main types
- Etymology
- Features
- History
- Military medals and decorations
- Table medals and other large forms
- Fraternal jewels
- Different metals
- Medals as art
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|Obverse of medal distributed by Cecilia Gonzaga's family to political allies, a common practice in [[Renaissance Europe. Designed by Pisanello in 1448.]] thumb|Reverse of the same medal, this copy with a suspension hole added later (inside a crescent moon in the design). thumb|Medal depicting Herbert Hoover|Herbert C. Hoover by Devreese Godefroi
A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be intended to be worn, suspended from clothing or jewellery in some way, although this has not always been the case. They may be struck like a coin by dies or die-cast in a mould.