Ter ere van Lodewijk II, koning van Hongarije en Bohemen, gevallen in de slag bij Mohacs en zijn vrouw Maria van Hongarije 1530s

This silver medal, commemorating Lodewijk II and Maria of Hungary, was created around 1526 by Michael Hohenauer. The circular form immediately presents a sense of completion and unity, perhaps reflecting the intended wholeness of the royal couple's legacy. The profiles are stark, yet delicately rendered, employing a shallow relief that captures subtle nuances of their features. The use of silver, with its muted sheen, imbues the medal with a sense of solemnity and timelessness, appropriate for a memorial object. Notice how the inscription encircles the portraits, framing them within the confines of memory and history. The composition adheres to a classical structure, yet there's a certain austerity that disrupts any potential for excessive idealization. The medal functions as a semiotic device, employing recognizable symbols of royalty within a format designed for mass production and distribution. Yet, it is also a testament to individual craftsmanship. The balance between standardization and personalization invites us to reflect on the nature of power. This small object raises profound questions about representation, memory, and the enduring power of art to shape historical narratives.