Constantine the Great [obverse] c. 1468

Editor: This is a bronze medal, "Constantine the Great," made around 1468 by Cristoforo di Geremia. The level of detail achieved in the bronze is striking. How was something like this made back then? What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, from a materialist perspective, the lost-wax casting process is crucial here. Think about the labor involved – the wax modeling, the creation of the mold, the careful heating and pouring of the molten bronze, and then the chasing and finishing. These aren't just decorative objects, but rather, a reflection of the artisan's skills, knowledge, and access to resources. Where did they get the bronze, what tools were they using? Editor: So, you're saying that the medal is not just a portrait, but also a record of the economic and technical capabilities of the time? Curator: Precisely! Furthermore, consider the social context. Why Constantine? Why represent him in this classical style? What statements is the patron and artist trying to make about power, legitimacy, and continuity with the Roman Empire? How would these objects be traded and displayed? All that helps us read the piece in more detail. Editor: So by looking at the process and the materials, we can understand the piece as a product of its society. Fascinating! Curator: Exactly. By examining the medal's materiality and production, we get insight into labor practices and access to resources that is really telling about the culture producing the medal. What do you take away from our chat today? Editor: That focusing on material production is not outside the art itself, but central to interpreting its meaning! Thanks.