Medici Thusnelda 1761 - 1762

Curator: I find the pensive mood of this drawing so compelling. It's Augustin Pajou's "Medici Thusnelda," rendered in brown ink and wash. Editor: There’s a sense of ancient dignity here, despite its modest size. It’s almost as if she’s contemplating the weight of her historical role. Curator: Pajou was known for his sculptures, and this sketch captures a powerful female figure from antiquity. I wonder if he was thinking about the stories and the politics surrounding this figure? Editor: Perhaps. The Medici family, and the figure of Thusnelda, would have been symbols of power and cultural legacy in the artist's milieu. It makes me think of the role of imagery in solidifying historical narratives. Curator: The classical drapery and idealized form definitely evoke a sense of timeless virtue and nobility, almost as if to make Thusnelda herself into a sign. Editor: Absolutely, it's a reminder of how art can be used to shape our understanding of the past. It makes you wonder what Pajou was hoping to convey, and what his audience might have projected onto the work.