Kardinaal Lodewijk Portocarrero 1700

This commemorative coin portraying Cardinal Lodewijk Portocarrero was likely struck from silver in the early 18th century, though the maker is unknown. The coin is small, yet it tells a big story. Look closely, and you will see an image of the cardinal on one side, and an inscription in Latin on the other. These details were achieved through a meticulous process of die-striking, where a design is engraved into a metal die and then pressed onto a blank coin. This process, developed centuries ago, demands immense skill and precision. The artistry involved speaks to the value placed on commemoration, and on permanence. Silver, as a precious metal, adds to this sense of importance, reflecting not only wealth but also the enduring nature of memory. The coin acts as a tangible reminder of the Cardinal, and perhaps a particular historical moment in the Catholic Church. Consider the labor involved, from the mining of the silver, to the craftsmanship required to produce the die, and strike the coin. This object challenges our understanding of art, by pointing to a wider network of social and economic relations.