Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, and Prince Philip of Spain [obverse] c. 1553 - 1555

This bronze medal portrays Charles V and Prince Philip of Spain, created by Leone Leoni during a time of dynastic ambition. The conjoined portraits are reminiscent of Roman imperial imagery, evoking the concept of co-rule and succession. Note the laurel wreath on their heads, an ancient symbol of triumph adapted by Roman emperors to legitimize power. Consider how these motifs recur throughout history. In ancient Rome, the laurel wreath signified military victory, while in Renaissance art, it symbolized poetic and artistic genius. This appropriation demonstrates a continuous, cyclical adoption of symbols, where forms are repeated across vast stretches of time. Ultimately, this medal is not merely a representation of power, but an embodiment of the cyclical nature of history.