Erezuil opgericht voor de hertog van Parma 1585

This silver medal, with a diameter of just 3 cm and weighing 7.52 grams, was created by Giuliano Giannini, an Italian medalist who lived between 1560 and 1599. This piece commemorates a monument erected for the Duke of Parma. The medal encapsulates the political and social dynamics of its time. The Duke of Parma, a prominent figure in the Spanish Netherlands, was celebrated through this medal. While seemingly a simple object, it reflects the era's power structures, designed to promote the image of the Duke of Parma as a symbol of power. The imagery used speaks to the way leaders were presented and perceived in the 16th century. The medal's dual nature – a symbol of power and a work of art – invites reflection on how art can shape perceptions, and how these historical narratives impact us today.