James Stuart, "The Old Pretender," styled James III (1688-1766) 1721

Curator: This is a silver medal attributed to Ottone Hamerani, depicting James Stuart, "The Old Pretender," styled James III. Editor: It’s striking, a tangible piece of history, but also feels quite loaded given the context of its creation. Curator: Indeed. The material itself speaks to power. Silver, a valuable commodity, used to propagate a political message. It bridges the gap between propaganda and artistry. Editor: And the message is certainly potent. Claiming legitimacy in exile, subtly challenging the reigning monarch. The dimensions speak volumes, something small enough to be smuggled, yet grand in its statement. Curator: Precisely. The craft involved – the die-cutting, the precision of the image – would have been skilled labor employed for a specific political purpose. Editor: Looking at it now, I am reminded that this object is more than just aesthetic; it’s a commentary on identity, power, and resistance. Curator: A potent reminder of how material objects shape our understanding of history. Editor: A small, unassuming coin, but so rich in narrative.