In contemporary medals the designer often questions the traditional concept of format, appearance and purpose. These medals are best appreciated when held and turned in the hand. Only this will reveal the intimate relationship of one side to other as intended by the artist. Fortunately contemporary medals are one of the most affordable art forms. Greek and Roman myths and legends are a frequent source of inspiration in medallic art. Here the handling of the figures reveals the artist’s close observation of natural forms and his practice of working from life. He modelled the forms and textures in wax and then had the medal cast by a foundry.
The medallist Robert Cook is an American sculptor living in Rome whose work ranges from monumental free-standing sculpture tp pieces on a more intimate scale such as this recent art medal.

The subject matter is based on the Greek myth which tells how Leda, wife of King of Sparta, was loved by the god Jupiter who appeared in the form of a swan.