George van Egmond, zestigste bisschop van Utrecht 1558

This lead medal depicting George van Egmond, sixtieth bishop of Utrecht, was created by Steven Cornelisz van Herwijck. The medal presents a somber portrait set within a perfect circle, immediately grounding the figure within a sense of totality. The composition of the artwork reveals an intriguing balance between representation and symbolism. The figure of the bishop, meticulously rendered with attention to the folds of his garments and the texture of his beard, occupies the dominant space. The carefully inscribed text that encircles the portrait adds a layer of semiotic complexity, framing the figure within a field of words that speak to his identity and status. Consider how the circular form is not merely a neutral frame but an active element in the overall structure. It serves to contain and define the image. This emphasis on form invites us to see the medal not only as a representation but as an object that embodies cultural and philosophical ideas about representation itself.