Johanna, koningin van Castilie, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de rekenkamer der hofmeesters 1506

Editor: This is "Johanna, koningin van Castilie, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de rekenkamer der hofmeesters," or, Johanna, Queen of Castile, a jeton minted by order of the chamber of masters, created anonymously in 1506. It's a small, metal carving; the detail is incredible, given the scale. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The fact it's a jeton, a counting token, immediately highlights its material purpose. Forget aesthetics; this object’s creation centers on accounting practices, on the management of resources and power within a royal court. Look at the repetitive inscriptions and symbols. How do you see that influencing the interpretation? Editor: I guess I assumed because it depicts royalty, it was more symbolic, less…functional. Curator: But that's precisely where the interest lies. The metal itself – the specific alloy chosen, the methods of minting and engraving – speaks to the economic infrastructure of the time. Consider the labor involved. What does the skill in miniature speak about the social classes, if the metal as value represents labour? Editor: So you're saying that even something that seems decorative is really about labour, and the value of labor? The detail requires great skill, which translates to specialized labour and therefore inherent value. Curator: Exactly! It collapses distinctions between 'art' and 'artifact'. The token form democratizes portraiture, but at the same time, is it limiting its artistic representation? Is the craftwork undervalued or is the status up-lifted because of it? Editor: That’s such a different way of thinking about it. I'll definitely be thinking about the materials and their creation differently from now on. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Seeing beyond the surface reveals hidden stories of production, consumption, and power.