Edward IV, from the English Monarchs series 1731 - 1732

Editor: We’re looking at Jean Dassier's "Edward IV, from the English Monarchs series," created around 1731 or 1732. It’s a metal piece, a medal actually, and something about the king’s stern profile seems really commanding. What do you see in this work that speaks to you? Curator: For me, this piece sparks a fascinating dialogue about power, representation, and the construction of historical narratives. We need to question whose stories are being told and how they are being framed. Consider Edward IV’s reign – a period of intense conflict, solidified through displays like this medal. What elements of neoclassical style does Dassier employ, and what does that stylistic choice tell us about how Edward IV is being presented and understood by 18th-century audiences? Editor: I see what you mean about the neoclassical style lending him authority, almost like comparing him to a Roman emperor. The detail in his crown and armor also add to that effect. Curator: Exactly! And that's a crucial part of the era’s project: to legitimize power through constructed lineage. Who had access to this imagery, and what statements were they trying to make or reinforce about the English monarchy? These pieces weren't passive historical documents; they actively shaped perceptions. What impact would circulation of such a medal have on those who were experiencing displacement, economic hardship or lack of access? Editor: That's really thought-provoking. I never considered the impact beyond just historical documentation. Curator: Precisely. It urges us to look critically at all visual representations and the socio-political forces at play in shaping those images. What appears on the surface as celebratory is often a carefully constructed performance, and perhaps more profoundly, what histories are obscured by images such as this. Editor: I'm definitely going to look at historical portraiture with new eyes now! Curator: Wonderful. Examining power dynamics offers essential insights into art history and broader societal contexts.