Alfonso V, King of Naples 1444 - 1454

Editor: So, this is Pisanello's bronze relief of Alfonso V, King of Naples, created sometime between 1444 and 1454. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses it now. It’s quite small, and there's a certain sternness to Alfonso's profile that I find striking. What kind of narrative do you see embedded in this portrait? Curator: Absolutely. The sternness, as you call it, can be read as an assertion of power during a period of intense political maneuvering in Renaissance Italy. Consider Alfonso V’s role as a foreign ruler in Naples; his legitimacy was constantly under scrutiny. A portrait like this, in bronze, served as propaganda. How might its distribution have shaped perceptions of his authority? Editor: Propaganda, that’s interesting. I guess distributing multiple copies would have helped consolidate his image? So, not just art for art’s sake? Curator: Precisely. Bronze, as a relatively durable and reproducible medium, allowed for a wider circulation of the king's image than a unique painted portrait might. The inclusion of his name and titles reinforced his claim to power. It connects to contemporary power dynamics and the role of portraiture in constructing and reinforcing identity. This piece serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple images are steeped in layers of socio-political meaning. How does it make you rethink the use of portraiture throughout history? Editor: I see it now: it isn’t just about likeness; it’s about control and power! Wow, the implications of something so seemingly simple can be quite deep. Thank you. Curator: And thank you. It is rewarding to see how engaging with a work’s history encourages a deeper reflection on its purpose.