Noël Brulart de Sillery, 1577-1640, Knight of Malta 1632 [obverse] 1632

This silver medal portraying Noël Brulart de Sillery, Knight of Malta, was created in 1632 by an anonymous artist. During this period, the Knights of Malta were a powerful Catholic military order, deeply entwined with European politics and colonialism. Here, Brulart de Sillery is depicted in profile, adorned in the attire of his station. His gaze is firm, embodying the power and privilege associated with his noble lineage and religious order. Note how the medal, with its circular format and inscription, mimics the visual language of ancient Roman coins, invoking a sense of historical continuity. The inscription encircling his portrait emphasizes his identity as a knight, situating him within a lineage of religious and military authority. This medal is more than just a portrait, it’s a statement of power. What does it mean to immortalize a man who was part of an institution deeply involved in religious conflict and colonialism? It invites us to consider the complexities of history and the legacies of those who shaped it.