Filips van Montmorency, graaf van Horne, admiraal der Nederlanden 1565

This bronze medal of Filips van Montmorency was created by Jacques Jonghelinck, likely during Montmorency’s lifetime. Jonghelinck was a skilled goldsmith and die cutter who ran a large workshop in Antwerp. He was commissioned to create a series of portrait medals of prominent individuals; this one commemorates Montmorency, a key political figure in the Netherlands during the 16th century. The medal's creation involved a complex process. First, a model was made, likely in wax or clay. Then, a negative mold was formed, into which molten bronze was poured. The resulting cast was then chased and finished to bring out the fine details of Montmorency's features and attire. The social significance lies in its function: more than just a portrait, this medal embodies status, power, and remembrance. The choice of bronze, a durable and valuable material, speaks to the enduring legacy Montmorency sought to cultivate. It challenges our perceptions of art and craft, reminding us that even seemingly functional objects can carry immense cultural and artistic weight.