Cosimo I de' Medici, 1519-1574, 2nd Duke of Florence 1537, later Grand Duke of Tuscany [obverse] 1561

Curator: Here we have a bronze medal created in 1561 by Domenico Poggini. It depicts Cosimo I de' Medici, the second Duke of Florence. The inscription surrounding his profile states: "Cosmvs Med Floren Et Senar Dv Xii," a declaration of Cosimo's ducal authority. Editor: It strikes me immediately as a little melancholic. Cosimo's gaze, so stern and unwavering, projects a sense of burden. There's such fine detail etched into the metal, yet that somber, solitary profile dominates. Almost feels like a momento mori... or maybe just Tuesday for a Renaissance Duke. Curator: It’s fascinating to think about the purpose of these medals. Beyond their function as portable representations of power, they're filled with symbols meant to inspire, intimidate, and shape public perception. Cosimo here is literally cast as a stoic leader, someone both strong and refined. Editor: Definitely a conscious crafting of image, playing on the symbolism of classical portraiture. I keep noticing the minute details: his carefully groomed beard, the elaborate chain and badge... Each element speaks to his rank and aspiration. And how interesting that these emblems can survive him, becoming potent cultural relics long after the man himself is dust. Curator: Exactly! The symbolism becomes crystallized through the metal, doesn’t it? The imagery is a deliberate construction. It almost feels like we’re getting a curated version of reality, filtered through the political aspirations of the time. Editor: You know, looking at this, I'm struck by the resilience of imagery. These symbols, carefully chosen centuries ago, continue to evoke similar emotions and understanding today. That speaks volumes about the shared visual language we still inherit from the Renaissance. What I feel when I see it—importance, gravitas—that's intentional, persistent messaging across time. It works! Curator: I suppose Poggini's clever sculpting helped, and it's true: Cosimo's influence is not gone, not if he continues to hold our attention today, hundreds of years later. This is how images become legacies, and transform into legends. Editor: A legend... forged in bronze. Perfect.