Marino Caraccioli (d. 1467) c. 1902

Curator: This is a bronze medal commemorating Marino Caraccioli, who died in 1467. Its artist is, unfortunately, unknown. Editor: Bronze, huh? I get a stoic vibe from this, almost like it's whispering tales of power and legacy. Curator: Absolutely. These portrait medals gained popularity in Renaissance Italy, functioning as symbols of personal identity and status. They also reflect humanist ideals. Editor: I’m particularly drawn to how the figure on the reverse embodies both strength and vulnerability. It’s as though the artist has captured a moment of quiet reflection amidst a life of military exploits. Curator: Indeed, the medal becomes a site of intersectional dialogues—between military prowess and humanist introspection, public image and private contemplation. Editor: It’s a profound little piece, and in reflecting on its presence, I feel compelled to consider how legacies are built, not just on strength, but also on the stories that survive.