Maria van Hongarije, landvoogdes der Nederlanden 1539

This bronze coin of Maria van Hongarije, Governor of the Netherlands, captivates with its intricate design and aged patina. Its circular form, just 2.8 centimeters in diameter, presents two faces brimming with symbolic imagery. On one side, two bold, interlaced 'M' shapes dominate, crowned by a cross. The mirrored symmetry reflects the complex structures of power and faith during the period. The reverse features a heraldic emblem, likely the Habsburg double-headed eagle, meticulously rendered in relief. The coin's eroded texture invites questions about its history and circulation. The semiotic weight of emblems like the eagle resonates within a larger cultural narrative of imperial authority. By employing a system of visual signs, the coin seeks to represent the subject's prestige and dominance. This object offers not just aesthetic qualities but serves as a tangible intersection of art, power, and cultural identity.