George van Egmond, zestigste bisschop van Utrecht 1558

This is a silver medal portraying George van Egmond, the sixtieth Bishop of Utrecht, crafted by Steven Cornelisz van Herwijck. The medal's circular form immediately draws us to consider its completeness and unity. The artist has meticulously sculpted two distinct scenes, each occupying one side of the medal. One side presents a detailed profile of George van Egmond, the lines of his face and vestments sharply delineated. The reverse shows an allegorical scene, possibly referencing virtues or significant events during Egmond's tenure. The use of relief is striking, with figures and objects projecting from the surface, creating a tactile experience. This interplay between representation and allegory invites us to decode the symbolic language of the medal. What narratives are embedded in these images, and how do they contribute to the bishop's representation? As such, this medal is not merely a portrait but a complex construction of identity and power.