Horatius Cocles c. 1600

This pounced silver plaquette, depicting Horatius Cocles, was crafted by Adam van Vianen around the early 17th century. The process of pouncing involves hammering a sheet of silver into a mold, creating a relief design. Note how this technique highlights silver’s malleability, its capacity to be shaped and worked while cold. Van Vianen has also employed chasing, a method of refining the details by gently indenting the surface. This combination of force and finesse shows a deep understanding of the material. The scene’s details, like the textures of clothing and the musculature of the figures, are rendered with precision. The use of silver, a precious metal, elevates the status of the artwork and communicates the patron's wealth. Looking closely at this plaquette, we appreciate how its inherent material qualities and the artist’s skilled handling bring both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance to this work. By examining the choices made in its creation, we gain a richer perspective.