Karel V, Duits keizer, bereidt zich voor op de oorlog tegen Frankrijk en Gelderland 1543

This bronze medal, whose maker is anonymous, is titled: "Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, Prepares for War against France and Guelders". As a small, handheld object, this medal offers an intimate glimpse into the politics of the 16th century, when Charles V sought to consolidate power amidst religious and political fragmentation. Note the imagery: on one side, Charles V brandishing a sword and shield, ready for battle, and on the other, an eagle, a symbol of imperial authority, clutching a shield bearing the arms of his adversaries. What does it mean to cast such a narrative in miniature? It served as propaganda, a token of allegiance, or perhaps even a talisman for those invested in the outcome of these conflicts. The weight and feel of this medal in one's palm would have been a tactile reminder of the power at stake and the ever-present threat of war.