Antoine Perrenot, 1517-1586, Bishop of Arras 1540, Cardinal Granvelle 1561 c. 1560

Editor: This bronze medal, dating from around 1560, is a portrait of Antoine Perrenot by Jacques Jonghelinck. The level of detail achieved on such a small, round surface is impressive! What compositional choices stand out to you? Curator: The carefully constructed circular form immediately arrests the eye. Observe how the artist employs the inscription itself, "ANTO S.R.E PBR CARD GRANVELANVS", to accentuate this shape, guiding our gaze along the periphery and back to the central profile. This reinforces the formal unity of the piece. Note too the crisp contrast between the meticulously detailed beard and hair against the smoother background field. This contrast further emphasizes the Cardinal’s presence. Editor: The text almost becomes another visual element! Is there anything more you can tell about the importance of details? Curator: Consider the granular texture meticulously applied to Cardinal Granvelle’s beard. Jonghelinck doesn't merely depict a beard, but conveys its very tactile quality. This emphasis on surface texture, contrasted against the polished smoothness of the background, creates a visually engaging interplay of contrasting elements. Ask yourself, what does the execution suggest about Renaissance values regarding clarity and decorum? Editor: The contrast definitely enhances the portrait's impact. Thinking about how the artist balances all of those qualities really illuminates their artistic skill and attention to detail. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It serves as a compelling example of how Renaissance artists employed formal strategies to convey not only likeness but also character.