Charles III de Lorraine, 1543-1608, Duke de Guise [obverse] c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have a metal portrait medallion dating from the 16th century. It depicts Charles III de Lorraine, also Duke de Guise. Editor: Wow, there’s something intensely self-assured about that profile, almost arrogant. I can almost feel the chill of the metal, reflecting a certain cold power. Curator: It's fascinating to consider the means of production. The medal would have been made via a process involving the creation of dies to strike the metal, likely silver. The distribution of these portrait medals served a very specific function... Editor: Propaganda! Let’s be honest, it's about crafting an image, immortalizing a ruler’s power. A medieval headshot for social media! But imagine holding it – the weight, the cool surface...you know the subject probably never handled one of these. Too...common. Curator: That’s a great point about distribution and social status. Medals like these moved far beyond the aristocratic circle into broader sectors of society as signals of influence and the networks sustained by figures such as Duke de Guise. Editor: There's a lot of minute detail; I'm thinking specifically of the decoration on the armour – little curlicues, floral designs. You’d almost forget he’s clad for battle. Does this humanize him? Or does it try to give the impression he could stroll nonchalantly away from carnage? Curator: This type of representation attempts to transcend simple valorization and embed a noble identity. What the image does is create an aura that reflects the status that aristocratic leaders sought and defended. Editor: I am captivated. What starts as an imposing representation starts whispering more complicated messages after just a few moments. I feel there's so much contained in that compressed, metal world. Curator: Absolutely, considering the material and purpose makes you think about so many layers of 16th-century life.