Charlemagne, from the series "The Twelve Oldest German Kings" early 20th century (original from c.1540)

Editor: Here we see Charlemagne from the series "The Twelve Oldest German Kings," a small bronze relief. It's amazing all the details the artist managed to pack in! What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating convergence of labor, material, and cultural context. This bronze plaque, part of a series celebrating German kings, was likely produced using the lost-wax casting method – a process demanding skilled labor and careful material sourcing. Consider the social function of such objects: were they for display, trade, or perhaps even political propaganda? How does the material itself – bronze, a relatively common metal – influence its value and accessibility? Editor: So, it's not just about who Charlemagne was, but also about who made this, and why? Curator: Precisely! Thinking about these aspects deepens our understanding. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider, thank you!