Pierre Josse d'Armstorff, vierenveertigste intendant van de vaart van Brussel Possibly 1670

Editor: This metal artwork is titled "Pierre Josse d'Armstorff, vierenveertigste intendant van de vaart van Brussel," possibly made around 1670. It looks like an engraved medallion with, on one side, a depiction of someone enthroned with attendants. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This is indeed a fascinating medallion, rich in iconographic significance. What immediately strikes me is the symbolic weight conferred upon Pierre Josse d’Armstorff. Editor: Symbolic weight? Curator: Yes. His depiction, enthroned, evokes power and authority. It reminds us that portraiture is never a neutral act; rather it’s imbued with layers of meaning that the society understood. But then we need to decode those meanings, layer by layer. Look, for example, at the objects and figures surrounding him: what do they tell us about his role? Editor: Well, there seem to be figures carrying flags, perhaps soldiers or guards? And then, on the other side, a boat, so it must be about his role over water trade… I see a very specific moment is represented through these icons. Curator: Precisely! This medallion wasn't simply commemorative, it actively constructed and disseminated his power. Editor: So, it's like propaganda, in a way? Curator: That’s one way of interpreting it. A carefully constructed message designed to project a particular image of authority, trade and prosperity linked to this particular individual. A small object carrying great cultural and historical weight. Editor: I see that now! It is far more complex than it appears on the surface. I would never have thought that it represents such a strong social statement.