Filips III van Spanje, beschermer van de katholieke kerk 1607

Curator: This is a medal portraying "Filips III van Spanje, beschermer van de katholieke kerk," or Philip III of Spain, protector of the Catholic Church. It was created in 1607 by Rutilio Gaci, rendered in metal relief. Editor: My first thought? Striking. The stark metal, the way light catches the high points of the relief... it has an almost severe, noble quality. Curator: Exactly. Look at the way the lion is depicted on the reverse. Its crown and upright stance symbolize power, but the broken spear it clutches tells a story of conflict. A rather potent claim from the so-called protector of the Church. Editor: The spear does introduce an element of fragility, certainly. And I find it fascinating how Gaci contrasts the ornate armor of Philip III with the comparative simplicity of the lion. He directs the viewer's gaze to power but offers it a framework in nature. Curator: Yes! The very circularity of the medal brings in mind cycles. Kings rise and fall, but a symbol persists. Notice, too, the portrait of Philip isn’t just a likeness; it's an idealized vision crafted during the Counter-Reformation. His armor serves not merely as attire but as an embodiment of his commitment to the Church and its defense against Protestantism. Editor: A miniature fortress of faith, you could say. The meticulous detail of the ruff around his neck is so remarkable in this scale. Gaci is certainly thinking through shape, line, texture here, making for compelling viewing. Curator: It speaks to the anxieties of the time—Spain's self-image as the staunch defender of the Catholic faith amidst rising challenges to papal authority. A very turbulent world. Editor: And how remarkable to be able to hold something like this in one's palm and consider all the weighty histories pressed into it. Curator: Absolutely. It's a powerful emblem condensed into tangible form. A piece to spark reflection about continuity of power and its visual projection.