Francis I of France (1494-1547) c. 1902

Editor: Here we have an anonymous portrait medal of Francis I of France, likely from the mid-16th century. It's interesting to see both sides, with the effigy and a reverse. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Well, consider the material itself. Bronze, relatively inexpensive, suggesting a wider distribution than gold or silver would allow. This wasn’t necessarily about individual patronage, but perhaps a broader attempt to disseminate an image of power. Editor: So, almost like propaganda through mass production? Curator: Precisely. The means of production here become central to understanding its purpose and influence beyond just artistic merit or individual portraiture. It makes me think about the labor involved in making molds and copies. Editor: That makes so much sense! I hadn't considered that aspect before.