Francesco de'Medici (1541-87), Second Grand Duke of Tuscany 1560

Editor: We're looking at a medal crafted in 1560, depicting Francesco de'Medici, the Second Grand Duke of Tuscany, created by Pastorino de Pastorini. It's metal, of course. It strikes me as remarkably formal, yet there's also a vulnerability to the profile. How do you read this piece? Curator: Well, my dear, it whispers of power, doesn’t it? A time capsule from the Renaissance, almost… I’m fascinated by how metal, normally so cold, here attempts to capture the fleeting likeness of a man destined for greatness. The profile portrait – rigid, classical. Do you see echoes of Roman emperors? Yet Pastorino has softened him, given him… a glimmer of humanity, don’t you think? It’s as if he’s asking, ‘Behind the Duke, who is the man?’ Editor: I hadn't thought about that, actually! The almost austere profile does bring ancient Roman vibes, now that you mention it. I see your point about softening… Maybe it was necessary for endearing the Duke to the people, instead of portraying him as a cold, heartless leader? Curator: Perhaps, or perhaps the artist, faced with rendering power, opted to reveal what lies underneath. That small gap within representation and reality—it makes for something wonderfully complex, doesn't it? Art isn’t just mirroring. It's asking us to consider something from a different view. Editor: It makes me think differently about medals and portraits in general – that there’s so much more beneath the surface, intended or not. Thank you! Curator: And thank you. It’s always fascinating how revisiting something familiar brings new textures to light.