Johanna, infanta van Portugal, weduwe van Joao infant van Portugal 1564

Curator: Here we have a medal from 1564 by Gianpaolo Poggini, titled "Johanna, infanta van Portugal, weduwe van Joao infant van Portugal". Editor: Immediately, the silver color speaks of dignity and perhaps solemnity, especially given the sitter's title as a widow. It feels appropriately reserved for a commemorative object. Curator: Indeed. The portrait relief on the obverse showcases Poggini’s skill in rendering fine details. Consider the subtle lines around Infanta Johanna's eyes, or the precise rendering of the delicate fabric of her gown. These details establish a certain emotional depth through careful observation. Editor: For me, the real interest lies in the materiality itself. Think of the labour involved in the original casting, and the subsequent carving of this metal relief. How would this object circulate, and what power did it signify to those who encountered it? Curator: Functioning in much the same way portraits functioned for noble families, the iconography seems rather self-explanatory. This medallion functions as a claim to status—legitimizing the lineage and authority of its subject through controlled, symbolic display. Editor: Well, consider also that silver was once intimately tied to both economic and political systems. To have one’s likeness reproduced in this medium carries associations with wealth, commerce, and lasting legacies far beyond mere aesthetic admiration. Curator: And speaking of admiration, the arrangement on the reverse side deserves some contemplation. The composition creates an almost circular visual path. From what I can ascertain it involves astrological iconography combined with a depiction of Justice. A carefully structured cosmology of power, wouldn’t you say? Editor: It makes you consider how Poggini, as a craftsman, negotiated his relationship to those in power. It must have been a calculated endeavor, skillfully shaping precious metals to serve—and reflect—the ruling class. Curator: On close inspection, this medal provides us a glimpse into both an individual and an age defined by its structured display of power. Editor: Absolutely. Reflecting on the labor and means of its creation can make us appreciate this medal as more than just a work of art. It is evidence of craftsmanship and status production.