Crocodile and Trochilus [reverse] 1478 - 1483

Editor: This bronze medal, titled "Crocodile and Trochilus," was created by Battista d'Elia da Genova sometime between 1478 and 1483. It looks like a raised relief. I’m immediately struck by the textures – the smoothness of the medal's surface contrasting with the rougher treatment of the crocodile and bird. What formal qualities stand out to you? Curator: Note the circular format; it necessitates a compositional approach where all elements relate to the central motif, pushing everything towards the edges. The text bordering the image plane creates a rhythmic pattern that visually traps the scene inside. The use of high relief allows for distinct separation and articulation of the forms despite the medal's diminutive size. The formal harmony arises from the successful interplay between surface, texture, and inscription. How do you think the image relates to the inscription? Editor: That’s a great point about the formal interplay! It seems like the image amplifies the concept of audacity within a self-contained universe of elements: text, image and planarity. Curator: Indeed! Observe also that there's very little negative space to dilute this expression. The shapes of the creatures, and the background in which they occupy, push outward creating tension and visual energy. What do you make of that, in terms of the overall visual effect? Editor: I guess that, given the relative busyness of this formal arrangement, a contrasting blank ground helps separate and bring our attention to the characters populating this medal? It does appear like an ancient prototype to our contemporary graphic posters. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely. It appears like we agree this format is more than decorative; it's structurally integral, creating tension and balance that animates the composition, bringing symbolic charge and value to the depicted theme.