Medal Design, War and Peace: HOC CUSTODE SECURA 1764

Curator: Here we have, attributed to Louis-Claude Vassé, a design for a medal titled "War and Peace: HOC CUSTODE SECURA." Editor: It's quite striking. The figures, seemingly classical, give it an air of serenity despite its martial undertones. Curator: Indeed. Note the formal arrangement—the balance between Mars, the god of war, and a figure holding a caduceus, likely representing peace or commerce. Editor: That interplay is fascinating. The text, "HOC CUSTODE SECURA", seems to imply security through vigilance, or perhaps "safe under this guardianship?" Curator: Precisely. It encapsulates the era's complex relationship between military strength and diplomatic stability. Editor: It’s a rather elegant visual argument, reflecting the aspirations and anxieties of 1765. Curator: I find the balance of line and form quite compelling. Each element, meticulously rendered, contributes to the artwork's powerful narrative. Editor: A potent commentary, indeed.