Charles de Valois, 1573-1650 [obverse] 1620

Curator: This bronze medal, created by Guillaume Dupré around 1620, portrays Charles de Valois. The obverse side, which we see here, presents a profile of the subject. Editor: There's a tactile quality that just leaps out. You can almost feel the weight and coolness of the bronze in your hand, it exudes power and status. Curator: Absolutely. Notice the crisp lines defining Charles's features, the intricate detail of the ruff, and the flowing drapery of his clothing. The artist uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. Editor: Considering the context of its making, bronze casting would have been an artisanal, collaborative affair, blending sculptural skill with metalworking techniques and intense labour. Curator: Precisely. The circular form itself functions as a kind of frame, drawing the viewer's eye to the meticulously rendered figure. It almost possesses a classic heroic aura. The Latin inscription encircling the portrait adds a layer of formality and prestige, too. Editor: And beyond the form, we should think of the process. Molten metal, skilled hands crafting the mold – an interplay of elements, almost alchemical, reflecting the power and influence Charles embodied. I wonder, what happened to the mould afterward, did they melt the mould to preserve the original? Curator: Fascinating point, this medallion clearly functions as a vehicle of political image-making. It reduces its sitter to the smallest set of formal visual cues in a reduced relief; it signifies wealth, power and nobility. Editor: I appreciate how this small object captures so much, not just of a person but of the labor, material, and social values embedded within its creation. Curator: Indeed, it prompts us to reflect upon the artist's intention and the historical and cultural context of 17th century France. Editor: Absolutely. And maybe too, that in making it and observing it, we all play our parts.