Philipp Melanchthon, 1497-1560, Reformer [obverse] 1543

This bronze medal portraying Philipp Melanchthon was made by Friedrich Hagenauer in the 16th century. Melanchthon was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, alongside Martin Luther. The image creates meaning through visual codes. The Latin inscription around the portrait, specifying Melanchthon's age, suggests the importance of the individual, a humanist ideal that fueled the Reformation in Germany. Hagenauer’s decision to cast Melanchthon in bronze alludes to classical antiquity and the rediscovery of classical learning that was central to the Reformation. The medal was likely commissioned by a patron wishing to celebrate Melanchthon's intellectual achievements and his role in reshaping religious and social structures of the time. The study of Reformation history, including pamphlets, letters, and other artworks, helps to reveal the complex interplay between religious reform, artistic production, and the shaping of public opinion in 16th-century Europe. This medal is not just a portrait; it's a statement about the power of individuals to challenge established institutions.