Francesco Redi (1628–98) 1684

Curator: Here we have a medal sculpted by Massimiliano Soldani in 1684, which currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The medal depicts Francesco Redi. Editor: The first word that comes to mind? Intricate. The level of detail on such a small surface is breathtaking. The hair alone… it looks like spun moonlight. Curator: Indeed, the piece showcases Soldani's mastery of the baroque style in miniature form. Notice how the light plays across the metal relief, accentuating the texture and depth of the portrait. Editor: The profile view lends an air of solemnity, wouldn’t you agree? It almost feels like catching a glimpse of him deep in thought. And those cascading curls! It’s like he’s captured the wind in metallic form. Curator: The inscription around the edge – FRANCISCUS REDI PATRITIUS ARETINUS – identifies the sitter and his noble lineage, providing historical context for the piece. It functions both as identification and glorification. Editor: Makes you wonder about Redi himself. What stories would he tell? Judging by the artistic quality here, clearly someone considered important enough to immortalize. Was he as serious as the metal suggests, I wonder? Or did he have a playful side, hidden beneath those meticulously crafted curls? Curator: While we can only speculate on Redi's personality, this medal serves as a valuable artifact, speaking to the artistic and cultural values of the time, the techniques that informed artistic interpretation of historical subjects. Editor: It’s more than just historical record, though. It’s a tiny time capsule. To hold it would be to connect with a moment, with Redi himself… albeit through a cool piece of bronze. What survives of us, eventually, no? Curator: Ultimately, this metal artwork serves as a testament to Soldani’s remarkable skills as well as a window into the 17th century Florentine society, providing an echo from the world as it was. Editor: Agreed. Art reminding us we exist, we matter, we pass. Metal whispers of mortality; what could be more perfect?