See The Social Media Of The Renaissance In This Exhibit Of Antique Portrait Medals At The Frick

Visiting Constantinople in 1438, the Byzantine emperor sought to unify the Christian faith. Instead he prompted one of the great secular innovations of the Renaissance: the portrait medal, the first currency of celebrity. A Frick show reveals the origin and development of this fascinating art form.

from Forbes Real Time http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathonkeats/2017/07/11/portrait-medal-frick/
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