A Triumphant Warrior 

Editor: Here we have “A Triumphant Warrior” by Antico, a metal relief with some engraving. The circular form reminds me of ancient coins or medallions, giving the scene of a chariot and its rider a powerful sense of historical importance. How would you interpret its visual storytelling, especially in light of its material and probable function? Curator: This piece reflects the political ambitions of the Renaissance through a careful revisiting of classical antiquity. Consider the very act of creating a medal, and not only is it inspired by ancient coinage, but the triumphant subject would remind contemporaries of Roman Emperors. In a world where power was still visualized in relation to the classical past, how would an object like this influence the perception, or even legitimize the power, of its patron? Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn't considered the connection to power and legitimation so directly. So it's not just about artistic skill, but about communicating status? Curator: Exactly. The medal serves as propaganda on a small scale, easily distributed or worn. How does that change your understanding of it? Think of the various forms of propaganda during antiquity; relief carvings, coin imagery, military victory displays and triumphant celebrations were key for solidifying status and communicating military power. In this work, those traditions blend. Editor: So it's both art and a political statement! I suppose something small like this could travel and spread a certain image very easily. It’s definitely given me a new perspective on art as a form of persuasive rhetoric. Curator: And the reinterpretation of such objects provides powerful information regarding the politics of imagery through art history.