Hendrik de Vrome, hertog van Saksen 1539

This silver medal depicting Hendrik de Vrome, Duke of Saxony, was made by Michael Hohenauer sometime in the mid-16th century. On one side, we see a portrait of Hendrik, and on the other, his family's coat of arms. Medals like these were not just personal mementos. They played a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing the power and identity of rulers. Created in a time of social and religious upheaval, this medal presents Hendrik as a leader, whose legitimacy is reinforced by symbols of family lineage, dynastic power, and territorial control. To fully appreciate this medal, we can delve into the history of Saxony, exploring the political and religious landscape of the Reformation. Researching the Hohenauer family of artists and metal workers will also reveal how they shaped the visual language of power in the region. By understanding these historical contexts, we can interpret art not just as aesthetic objects but as tools for navigating the complex social structures of their time.