Huwelijk van Karel II en Catherina van Portugal 1662

Editor: Here we have a silver medal, "The Marriage of Charles II and Catherine of Portugal," created by George Bower in 1662. The figures are so close together and the texture feels almost liquid – what strikes you when you look at it? Curator: It whispers of power, doesn't it? Royalty immortalized in silver. Look closely; one side bears the conjoined busts of Charles and Catherine. But then, flip it over in your mind, what does the other side reveal? Majesty seated amongst cherubs. Doesn't it feel like Bower’s almost saying marriage creates majesty, cements a royal legacy? A clever political statement, masked as marital bliss, if you ask me! Don’t you feel a bit manipulated by it? Editor: Definitely. I can see how the seemingly romantic scene actually conveys power and status. How would you place it within the artistic movements of its time? Curator: Ah, excellent question! It clearly falls under the Baroque umbrella, even on a small scale. The emotional intensity is reined in somewhat, because metalwork imposes certain practical constraints. But look closer and consider this a mini drama, unfolding within the confines of a circle, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely, almost a pocket-sized spectacle! The cherubs and the posture all feel very theatrical. What do you think everyday folks back then thought when they saw this? Curator: Good question! They probably thought "Gosh, if only that could be me!" Now, they probably thought it looked a little cold! Perhaps this teaches us to not assume all art from past centuries resonated. Editor: So true, context really is key. Thanks for illuminating the complexities behind this tiny piece of history. I certainly feel like I look at the medal differently now! Curator: My pleasure! These objects only truly come alive when we consider them beyond their simple metallic forms and into how we understand social meaning and social impact from artworks like these!