Wilhelm Löffelholz von Kolberg, 1501-1554, Patrician of Nuremberg [obverse] 1541

This is Matthes Gebel's silver medallion of Wilhelm Löffelholz von Kolberg, a Nuremberg patrician, dating to the mid-16th century. The choice to cast Löffelholz in silver speaks to his status and the values of his time. Medallions like this were not just art objects; they were symbols of power and lineage, reinforcing social hierarchies. As a member of the Nuremberg elite, Löffelholz existed within a rigid social structure, where one's identity was largely defined by birth and social standing. Consider the weight of this object, both literally and figuratively. It’s a testament to the enduring human desire to be remembered, to leave a mark on history. These portraits captured not just a likeness, but a carefully constructed image of the self, designed to project authority and virtue. We can reflect on how we construct and present ourselves, and the stories we hope to tell about our lives.