Bona Sforza (1493–1557), Queen of Poland 1525 - 1899

Editor: So, this gorgeous pendant is "Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland," possibly made between 1525 and 1899, credited to Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio. It's an intaglio, carved in relief with gold. I'm struck by the sheer opulence – the gold work is so intricate. What does this piece communicate to you? Curator: This pendant is a fascinating artifact. We need to consider the function of portraiture during the Renaissance. Royal portraiture wasn't simply about capturing a likeness; it was a carefully constructed performance of power and status. What kind of message would you expect to send, wearing that in public? Editor: That’s a great question. She’s regal but the miniature scale makes it almost intimate. I can see how this piece shows her importance, a visual reminder of her power, like a personal billboard, but beautifully small. Curator: Exactly. The selection of materials contributes to the power, doesn’t it? It's not only gold. The intaglio is both portrait and jewelry, shifting the image from the purely symbolic to the material and wearable. The very act of wearing the image broadcasts both her symbolic status and material wealth, and aligns the wearer with the person depicted. Editor: So the pendant becomes more than just decoration – it’s about visually linking oneself to a ruler. It says so much about image and power, even now. I will now be more attentive of how jewelry displays influence. Curator: Precisely! Considering the interplay between representation, power, and materials gives us such a comprehensive view. The history of this object also tells us a lot. We're really looking at more than meets the eye when it comes to this image.