Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere) (1441-1513) c. 1902

Curator: Let's examine this medal of Pope Julius II. The artist is unknown, but the piece is housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I see two sides, each with detailed relief carvings. What do you notice about the formal qualities of the composition? Curator: Note the circular format, which inherently creates a sense of unity. One side presents a profile portrait, adhering to the conventions of Renaissance portraiture. The other seems to depict narrative, with figures intertwined in a complex scene. Editor: The textures look fascinating. Is there any intentional contrast? Curator: Precisely. The portrait side appears smoother, emphasizing the likeness of the Pope, while the reverse is intentionally more detailed to enrich its storytelling. This contrast is crucial to understanding the medal's visual rhetoric. Editor: That's a helpful observation. I hadn't considered the contrast in texture.