Vrede van Rastatt, penning ter ere van Augusta Maria, prinses-weduwe van Baden en Lodewijk Georg, markgraaf van Baden-Baden 1714

Curator: Here we have a peace medal from 1714, struck to commemorate the Treaty of Rastatt. The medal celebrates Augusta Maria, the princess-widow of Baden, and her son, Ludwig Georg, the Margrave of Baden-Baden. Editor: Immediately, the piece emanates regal sophistication. The monochrome gold adds a timeless charm that contrasts the detailed figures and baroque flourishes that characterize both sides. It's fascinating how much meaning could be imprinted onto such a small object. Curator: Absolutely, this piece presents itself as both object and statement. The material is more than simply "gold"—its materiality speaks to the socio-political circumstances surrounding the subject, which emphasizes elite control, luxury, and display. It functioned to signify this power and was produced through very careful skill and means. Editor: It feels wonderfully intimate, holding so much power in its detail despite its scale. Seeing their likeness on one side makes one feel immediately connected with these distant figures. Augusta Maria looks like quite the character, actually, doesn't she? Perhaps someone not to be crossed. Curator: The creation of medals like this often involved a collaboration of skilled labor, each step having a unique role. From the initial design and engraving of the dies, all the way through striking and distribution, which reminds us that luxury items involved intensive craftsmanship and served political ends. The creation and ownership both signal elite status and control. Editor: It does highlight that interesting paradox of art objects - the display of opulent authority paired with, often, anonymous artisanal production. Thinking about it, though, if I received it as a gift, I think I'd probably melt it down. What an outrageous act, and yet, the allure of gold makes me think that way. I guess that shows something of the material power you talk about. Curator: Exactly. Even imagining its destruction is another angle on value and exchange. Thinking about these complex layers deepens how we experience this Rastatt peace medal. Editor: It certainly does. These little objects contain worlds, really. A nice reminder.