The Future Philip II of Spain as Prince of Austria [obverse] 1548 - 1549

Curator: Up next we have a striking medal. "The Future Philip II of Spain as Prince of Austria," created in metal by Leone Leoni around 1548 or 1549. Editor: I find the image of power, quite literally, imprinted here. A ruler-to-be captured on what feels like a coin destined to circulate… it makes one consider destiny. It’s cold and austere. Curator: Yes, the very medium of metal lends to that permanence, doesn’t it? Philip's portrait is surrounded by inscriptions, functioning as labels but also as proclamations. Note, for example, how the reverse side tells a story—this particular piece is only one half of a message. Editor: The use of Latin script, too, acts as this… historical anchor. When viewing it, my eye keeps getting drawn to the hole at the top center; what kind of significance might that have played for contemporary observers, do you think? I feel the symbolism is quite rich here! Curator: Medals such as these functioned much like portraits; to be worn as symbols of honor, badges of loyalty, and were bestowed by rulers upon their subjects as tokens of favor. But you are right to call our attention to the inscription surrounding his likeness! Editor: Of course, seeing the young Philip depicted feels significant. The symbolic weight of monarchy already rests on him. Did contemporary observers find reassurance in such portraiture? Power begetting power! Or, maybe a more somber feeling? Curator: It speaks to both the projection and burden of inheritance, doesn't it? To solidify a legacy requires constant reminders of lineage and expected power. In this little object we see power, legacy and lineage distilled in metal! Editor: And to think—here we stand, centuries later, still dissecting its layered meanings and trying to glimpse some facet of Philip II through the hand of Leone Leoni! A rather strange temporal dance. Curator: I quite agree, and as we've observed, it's not just the image itself, but also its intent, which provides a rich layer to understanding this captivating artifact.