Overwinning van Karel V op de protestantse vorsten in Duitsland 1547

This medal was made by Leone Leoni, and celebrates Charles V’s victory over the Protestant forces in Germany. Made from cast bronze, the medal would have begun with the creation of a detailed wax model. Molten bronze was then poured into a mold made from this model, capturing every minute detail. After cooling, the bronze would have been carefully chased and finished to enhance its design. The use of bronze, a material valued since antiquity for its durability and ability to capture fine detail, lends the medal a sense of historical weight and importance. The face of Charles V is captured in high relief, projecting power and authority, while on the reverse, the scene of battle is rendered with dramatic intensity. This medal reflects the cultural values of the Renaissance, where the skilled artisan was seen as crucial in propagating messages of power and status.