Pope Julius II (1443-1513) c. 1508

Curator: This is a medal depicting Pope Julius II, likely crafted in the early 16th century by Pier Maria Serbaldi da Pescia. It is a humble object, only about an inch in diameter. Editor: It feels weighty, though, doesn't it? Despite its size, it exudes power. The profile of Julius II, with his strong jaw, dominates one side, while the architectural structure on the other speaks to enduring authority. Curator: Yes, the imagery is carefully chosen. The reverse likely represents a building project initiated by Julius, perhaps a fortress or a church, meant to symbolize his ambition to rebuild Rome and the papacy's power. These objects played a role in constructing Julius's image. Editor: Absolutely. And it's impossible to separate Julius II from the political and social upheavals of his time. The man was a warrior pope, embroiled in constant conflict. What does it mean to immortalize such a figure? Is it a celebration or a warning? Curator: I think the medal showcases the ambition of Renaissance rulers. They sought to shape their legacy through art and architecture, and, in this case, even through something as small as a coin. Editor: It gives pause, for sure. Even something as apparently simple as this carries layers of meaning related to power, legacy, and the politics of representation.