Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus, voorzitter van de Geheime Raad te Brussel, proost van St. Bavo en kanselier van de orde van het Gulden Vlies 1568

Curator: Here we have a striking metalwork from 1568 by Jacques Jonghelinck, titled "Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus, voorzitter van de Geheime Raad te Brussel, proost van St. Bavo en kanselier van de orde van het Gulden Vlies," quite the mouthful! Editor: It is. And, you know, just seeing the two faces of the medallion – the imposing profile and the… what is that on the reverse? It feels…serious, official. I wouldn't want to cross this guy. Curator: That air of authority is certainly the intent. Viglius was a key player in the Habsburg Netherlands, and Jonghelinck, as a celebrated medalist, was tasked with immortalizing his stature. We see him, not as a man, but as a representative of powerful institutions. Editor: Immortalizing...right. So, a PR exercise carved in metal, pretty much. Though I have to say, there is an intricate beauty here, in his clothes, the lettering around the edges. Makes you wonder who this object was actually meant for. Was it, you know, just his paperweight? Curator: Medallions like these served various purposes. They could be gifts to demonstrate allegiance, diplomatic tools, or, indeed, personal keepsakes to remind the subject of their importance and status within a strict hierarchical social order. Editor: Status... so, almost like a Renaissance status update. Instagram for the elite, in a way? Though imagine getting this as a party favour at one of Viglius’ do’s? It'd be something you'd keep, perhaps in a safe place. Curator: Precisely. Now, notice the depiction on the reverse side. The imagery of the elaborate table and vessel references Viglius's roles in governance, perhaps an allegory relating to justice, with allusions to piety given his clerical duties. Editor: An allegory that’s as complex as his job title! So much formality, though I admit, there is a sort of power to that stern, determined look of his on one side. Almost makes me wish I knew what kind of trouble he was stirring up back then. Curator: Knowing how history unfolded, quite a lot, I suspect. It certainly reflects the tensions brewing in the Netherlands at the time and, with such objects, how power was represented and disseminated. Editor: That makes the medal an enduring symbol, beyond just commemorating some high-powered functionary. Sort of a miniature time capsule, isn’t it? Fascinating!