Medal 1543

This medal was made by Friedrich Hagenauer in the early 16th century. This small, circular artwork is dominated by a central figure on a mythical beast, encircled by text. The composition is dense, with intricate details rendered in relief. Hagenauer's choice of a circular format invites consideration of Renaissance ideals of harmony and perfection. The figure with the sword alludes to power and justice, possibly as a commentary on contemporary political structures. The surrounding inscription can be understood through semiotics, where each letter acts as a sign that contributes to the overall message. The visual elements create a symbolic language that likely resonated with cultural codes and values of the time. Note the medal’s form as a portable object and its function as a carrier of meaning. This piece encourages us to reconsider how art engages with perception, power and representation in early modern Europe.