Karel V, Duits keizer, ingehuldigd als hertog van Gelre 1546

Editor: We are looking at "Karel V, Duits keizer, ingehuldigd als hertog van Gelre", made in 1546. It's a metal print—essentially a coin or medal— immortalizing Charles V's inauguration. I’m struck by how worn it looks; it feels so tangible and of its time. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It whispers stories, doesn’t it? For me, it’s a tiny portal. Imagine holding that in your hand in 1546— the weight of the Holy Roman Empire made manifest. It’s a potent piece of propaganda, too. A controlled, idealized image of power carefully circulated to reinforce authority. Does the somewhat stern depiction of Charles V's expression strike you as deliberate? Editor: Absolutely. It’s a carefully crafted image, far from candid. How did its function as currency or a medal affect how it was made, and then, used or received? Curator: Good question. These medals weren't necessarily used as currency. Instead, think of them as Renaissance selfies, but for rulers. They were made to be distributed to loyal subjects and allies to broadcast an image of strength, virtue, and legitimacy, particularly in territories newly brought under control. They remind people what the leader looks like. The relatively "rough" carving gives it an authenticity, though this may well have been done deliberately. The hole tells us the piece could have been worn or placed in clothing as a sign of allegiance. A propaganda campaign, very intimate. Editor: That’s fascinating! It's not just an object; it is a tactile representation of political power and legacy. I hadn’t thought about its being worn and what this may tell us. Curator: Precisely. History becomes something you can wear! Something you can carry! Art whispers.