Frederik de Marselaer, magistraat van de schatkist van Brussel, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk 1622

This bronze coin, likely crafted by an anonymous artist, commemorates Frederik de Marselaer, a magistrate of Brussels, and honors Albrecht and Isabella of Austria. Notice how the circular form of the coin dictates the composition, compelling the design to conform to its edge. The raised relief of the figures and symbols creates texture, inviting a tactile engagement. The inscription, arranged in a ring, acts as both a frame and a structural element. The coin can be viewed as a symbolic gesture, each side presenting a visual argument. The portraits on one side and emblems on the other function as signs, inviting us to decode their meaning within the context of the time. Consider how the artist uses the limited space to convey power and authority through carefully chosen symbols and portraits. This interplay between form and symbolism invites ongoing interpretation.