metal, relief
portrait
metal
relief
11_renaissance
italian-renaissance
Dimensions: diameter 3.5 cm, weight 29.28 gr
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This silver medal, depicting Emperor Charles V was created by Leone Leoni in the 16th century. Leoni, an Italian sculptor, captures Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, whose reign was marked by religious conflict and extensive colonial expansion. Looking at the medal, consider the power dynamics at play. On one side is Charles V, adorned with a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and authority, while on the other side is a portrait of a woman. How does this juxtaposition reflect the gendered power structures of the time? Does the artist, Leoni, challenge or reinforce the dominant narratives surrounding Charles V's reign? What does it mean to possess the image of the Emperor and his consort? This medal isn't just a historical artifact; it’s an object that embodies the complexities of identity, power, and representation in a rapidly changing world.
Comments
Most coins have a side with a portrait, usually of a ruler. In addition, portrait medals have also always been made, primarily to honour, commemorate, or glorify an important event or person. They were often intended for a general public. Some were destined to be family heirlooms. In any case, the medallists tried to make the likenesses as realistic as possible. That is why they are considered a separate genre.
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