Medal Design, France and Spain: PERPETUA CONSANGUINITATIS FIDES 1763

Curator: This is a medal design attributed to Louis-Claude Vassé, titled "PERPETUA CONSANGUINITATIS FIDES," which translates to "Perpetual Fidelity of Kinship," commemorating the alliance between France and Spain in 1761. Editor: My initial impression is one of classical idealism, a harmony suggested by the intertwined figures rendered in this delicate sanguine drawing. Curator: Indeed. The figures, likely personifications of France and Spain, embody the shifting power dynamics of 18th-century Europe through a lens of idealized masculinity and diplomatic alliance. Editor: The choice of intertwined figures is compelling. It evokes a sense of unity, though the presence of the spear reminds us that power is always negotiated, sometimes through conflict. This symbol anchors the artwork in history. Curator: Absolutely. We must also consider the larger narrative here. This medal celebrates a specific political moment, reflecting the constant negotiation of identity, power, and national interest in the face of perpetual war. Editor: Seeing it through this lens, the symbol of enduring kinship feels deliberately placed to influence perceptions. It's an intriguing object, capturing a fragile moment within the flux of history.