Filippo Maria Visconti (1392-1447) c. 1902

Curator: Here we have a bronze medal portraying Filippo Maria Visconti, crafted by an anonymous artist. The medal measures just under 10 centimeters in diameter. Editor: It's a striking piece. I'm immediately drawn to the duality of the imagery—the stoic profile versus the lively battle scene. Curator: Indeed, the composition presents a clear dichotomy. The obverse is dominated by Visconti's bust, encircled by Latin text, while the reverse depicts a military procession. Notice how the linear precision of the inscription contrasts with the dynamic relief of the horses and soldiers. Editor: The equestrian imagery certainly speaks to power and dominance. I see echoes of classical Roman triumphs and the assertion of dynastic authority. Visconti is visually aligning himself with a long lineage of rulers. Curator: The artist skillfully uses the bronze medium to create textural variation. The polished surfaces highlight the figure's features, while the rougher textures lend depth to the battlefield. Editor: Absolutely. And the very choice of bronze resonates with notions of permanence and legacy—a potent symbol for a ruler seeking to immortalize his reign. What a fascinating object. Curator: A compelling study of form and function, indeed.