Filips II van Spanje, verdediger van het katholieke geloof 1556

Curator: This bronze relief presents us with a portrait of Filips II van Spanje, or Philip II of Spain, from 1556. It was created by Gianpaolo Poggini. Editor: My first thought is its texture. The relief, almost coin-like, makes it feel both precious and… common, if that makes sense. The scale seems to contribute to that duality, something almost like a prototype for mass production. Curator: The choice of bronze speaks volumes about Philip's reign, though. Bronze was the material of rulers, communicating permanence, authority, power. The creation of multiple examples surely played a role in disseminating his image widely. It's less about mass production in the modern sense and more about controlled replication to ensure a consistent representation of royal authority. Editor: Interesting! The medium itself is really doing some heavy lifting there, then, isn't it? Looking closer, I am curious about how the material shaped Poggini’s technique—did the desire for detailed inscription push a need for more refined tool work on this particular type of relief? The circular edge almost suggests a mould of some kind. Curator: Undoubtedly. Poggini had to be keenly aware of how bronze cast. Inscriptions and royal image go together. This particular moment in history was when royal branding came into its own. I see him on the front, then a horseback figure on the other side--I read the inscription: “defender of the Catholic faith." How very like Philip! This isn't just art; it's political machinery. Editor: A smooth operation on both faces of the bronze, with some intentional symbolism too. Looking at this bronze from that perspective helps frame what feels almost like a tangible piece of ideological power. What a perfect example of making and meaning aligning under the force of political might! Curator: Precisely! And when you consider the broader religious and political landscape of the time—the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the various religious wars, Philip's role is all the more impactful. I have truly enjoyed discussing with you! Editor: Absolutely. Examining the artistic process coupled with those social forces is how we really start to understand artwork like this.