Leon Battista Alberti (1405-1472) c. 1902

Curator: Here we have a bronze medal depicting Leon Battista Alberti. It's a Renaissance portrait medal, only about 9 cm in diameter, that resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The piece has a warm patina, and the contrast between the smooth face and the detailed hair really draws the eye. It's such a commanding profile. Curator: Portrait medals like this were fashionable during the Renaissance, serving as miniature monuments to humanist scholars. They signal Alberti's place in the intellectual circles of the time. Editor: Yes, the profile on one side, and then the winged eye motif on the reverse, framed by that wreath, creates a striking balance of representation and symbolism. The texture is palpable. Curator: Exactly. The winged eye suggests Alberti's intellectual vision and perhaps divine inspiration, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with classical allegory. Editor: I find it compelling how the artist captured Alberti’s likeness so precisely. It provides an intimate glimpse into the man behind the ideas. Curator: Indeed, and these medals also circulated widely among elite circles, bolstering Alberti's reputation and influence. Editor: It leaves me contemplating the role of artistry in constructing historical legacies. Curator: A fitting end to this examination of power, artistry, and social networks, wouldn't you say?