Medallion: Profile Head of a Man (obverse); Initials of the Seven Virtues (reverse) c. 15th century

Curator: Let’s discuss this intriguing medallion—it's attributed to a pupil of Pisanello, and titled "Medallion: Profile Head of a Man (obverse); Initials of the Seven Virtues (reverse)". Editor: Immediately, the arrangement of letters strikes me. The layout is so balanced, despite its asymmetry. Curator: Indeed. The initials, presumed to stand for the seven virtues, offer a lens into Renaissance values concerning moral and ethical conduct. Editor: And the circular form itself, encased in that braided border, suggests wholeness. Does it signify completeness, an allusion to a life well-lived? Curator: Perhaps. This medallion also prompts considerations about patronage, artistry, and societal norms of the time. Editor: I find myself drawn to the pure geometry. It has a beauty of its own, regardless of its intended symbolism. Curator: It's a work that bridges personal ideals with collective virtues, a testament to the layered meanings embedded within art. Editor: A fascinating piece indeed, one that rewards both analytical and contextual readings.