Peter the Great, 1672-1725, Czar of Russia 1682 [obverse] 1717

Editor: Here we have Jean Duvivier’s bronze medal depicting Peter the Great, created in 1717. The detail is amazing, capturing his elaborate wig and royal garb. What strikes me is the way this object transforms power into something tangible, something that can be held and circulated. How should we interpret its value? Curator: From a materialist perspective, this medal presents an interesting lens to examine Peter the Great's power. Bronze itself, as a material, signifies permanence and value, reflecting the Czar’s ambition for enduring rule. Think about the labor involved: the mining, smelting, the artist's meticulous carving. The production process is key. Who controlled those means of production? Editor: Right, it speaks to a whole network of artisans and resources commanded by the state. How does this compare to the creation and use of other kinds of propaganda at the time? Curator: Precisely! Unlike printed pamphlets or paintings displayed only for the elite, bronze medals, although not mass-produced like currency today, were more durable and could circulate more widely within powerful circles. Consider who was meant to own and possess this medal, how would their social standing impact its significance? And consider, too, its size and weight. Editor: That makes me think about the message being intentionally delivered through this physical object. The choice of bronze elevates it, it transforms simple information into an impactful object of power. It makes you think of value and wealth in a whole new light. Curator: Exactly. It's not just an image of Peter the Great; it’s a material manifestation of his authority, reminding us that art, even something seemingly small, is always deeply embedded in material realities and social relations. Editor: It's like the metal itself reinforces the message and power he wanted to convey!