Closed Book [reverse] c. 1454

This bronze medal, known as Closed Book [reverse], was created by Matteo de' Pasti in the 15th century, a time when the humanist movement flourished in Italy. De' Pasti himself straddled different worlds, working as both a sculptor and a die-maker for coins and medals. The "closed book" alludes to knowledge and learning, and what it meant to be literate in a society where access to education was highly stratified. Who had the privilege to open these books, and whose stories were excluded? Consider the role of artists like de' Pasti. They were influential in shaping the visual culture of their time, yet they were also constrained by the expectations and norms of their patrons and society. This medal invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the creation and dissemination of knowledge, a theme still relevant today. How do we ensure that the stories we tell are inclusive and representative of diverse experiences?