Medallion in the canopy above the queen's throne (fol. f vii verso) c. 15th century

Editor: This small medallion, titled "Medallion in the canopy above the queen's throne," is an anonymous work. It seems to come from a book page, given the text around it. The figure looks almost angelic. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: Indeed, the halo is a key symbol. Consider the eagle—a bird of power, often associated with royalty and empire. The laurel wreath also speaks of victory and honor. This layering creates a potent visual language. How do these symbols resonate with you in the context of a queen's throne? Editor: I see how it would reinforce her authority, almost as a divine right to rule. It’s interesting how these ancient symbols still carry so much weight. Curator: Precisely. Visual symbols are vessels of cultural memory, constantly reinterpreted, yet retaining echoes of their origins. This piece invites us to contemplate that continuity. Editor: It’s amazing to think about the long lives of these symbols. I definitely see how much history is packed into such a small space now. Curator: And how those symbols continue to shape our understanding of power and authority today.