Reliquary Bust of Saint Juliana 1371 - 1381

Editor: This is the Reliquary Bust of Saint Juliana, crafted between 1371 and 1381 by Giovanni di Bartolo. It's made of wood and gold, and the craftsmanship is so detailed! I’m struck by the serenity of the face and the richness of the gold detailing. What are your thoughts on this piece? Curator: This bust is far more than just a religious artifact; it speaks volumes about power, gender, and access in the late medieval period. Considering the identity of Saint Juliana herself and understanding how a bust like this might have functioned within religious and social hierarchies of the time offers intriguing insight. How might its presence affected the experiences of those who engaged with it? Editor: So it's not just about admiring its beauty, but considering the social context around it? Curator: Precisely! Look closely. This bust doesn't just represent Saint Juliana; it presents a very specific ideal of female sainthood. The golden halo, the serene expression – these elements reinforce a narrative of piety and virtue carefully curated by the Church. Who had access to it? How did they interpret it, and whose story does it prioritize? And perhaps more importantly, whose story does it silence? Editor: I never thought about who this idealized image might exclude. Curator: Think about the cost of the materials and the level of craftsmanship involved. Access to such objects was extremely limited. Did women have the same relationship with such depictions, or was the work made to remind them to uphold the feminine virtue? Examining these elements provides a deeper understanding of art's role in shaping societal norms and power dynamics. Editor: I see, so much more than just devotion goes into art like this. Thank you for showing me what's behind what we see. Curator: My pleasure, these artworks prompt us to engage critically with our past and present and it’s nice to reflect together.