Isotta Atti, vierde vrouw van Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, heer van Rimini 1446 - 1900

Editor: So, this is a bronze relief by Matteo de' Pasti, made sometime between 1446 and 1900. It's a portrait of Isotta Atti, the fourth wife of some lord from Rimini. I’m really struck by the contrast between her serene expression and the weight of the bronze itself. How do you interpret this work, considering it's a portrait on a medal? Curator: Oh, isn't it enchanting? For me, stepping into this piece feels like brushing against history, the metal almost vibrates with untold stories. The firmness of the metal, to your point, isn't just about physical weight; it mirrors the weight of expectation and legacy placed on women like Isotta. It's a testament to the enduring power, literally etched in metal. Have you noticed the elephant on the reverse? Editor: I did. What does that signify? Curator: That’s where it really starts to sing to me! The elephant was the symbol of the Malatesta family and represents strength, piety and temperance. For me it shows that the work is celebrating Isotta not just as a beauty, but as part of a powerful dynasty, that it acknowledges her contribution to it. Perhaps this image was also meant to serve as a template for future artists. It’s always fun to ask what secrets these portraits conceal, isn’t it? What feelings it aroused in you? Editor: It gives it another layer entirely; it made her so much more significant as a patron than just as a woman in this time. That's great, thank you. Curator: Exactly. These objects are more than just surfaces; they’re keys that unlock stories and resonate with feelings across centuries. Thank you for musing along with me!