Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus 1568

This silver medal portraying Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus was created by Jacques Jonghelinck in the 16th century. Jonghelinck was a sculptor and medallist active in the Habsburg Netherlands, an area that is now Belgium and the Netherlands. The image of Viglius, a prominent statesman, is presented in profile, an artistic convention echoing ancient Roman coins and statues. The reverse side depicts a monument, perhaps referencing his status and authority. The medal, in its function and symbolism, reflects the hierarchies of its time and makes visible the system of patronage that sustained artists like Jonghelinck. Objects like this serve as primary source documents for historians. Medals can tell us about the sitters political and social status, and how they wished to be seen. Examining archival documents and other historical sources can help to provide further context to this small but fascinating artwork.