Anthony van Stralen, heer van Merksem en Dambrugge, burgemeester van Antwerpen 1565

Editor: This is a metal relief from 1565 by Jacques Jonghelinck. It depicts Anthony van Stralen, a mayor of Antwerp. What I find really interesting is how this object is so clearly tied to status, almost like a miniature monument. What can you tell me about it? Curator: You're right, it’s definitely about status, but also about something deeper. Think about the Northern Renaissance, the rise of merchant power, and the upheaval of the Reformation. This medal isn't just a portrait; it's a statement. Editor: A statement of what, exactly? Curator: Power, yes, but also civic virtue and Antwerp's place in a rapidly changing world. Look at the figure on the reverse – possibly Fortuna. What do you notice about her placement above the water? Editor: That’s a strange figure. Standing precariously above the waves…suggesting the fickleness of fate and the turbulent nature of that time? Curator: Precisely! Van Stralen’s image is therefore coupled with an understanding of contingency and resilience, his status perpetually threatened. I see it as almost a challenge to deterministic ideas about the world, suggesting humanity's own role in their own path. Considering what happened to van Stralen later – he was beheaded by the Spanish – this piece feels strangely prophetic, don't you think? Editor: Wow, that adds another layer of complexity. So it is also commentary on a society in conflict. Curator: Exactly. And how leaders are forever caught in larger conflicts and events of history. It's not just a shiny medal; it's a political and social mirror. Editor: I never thought about it that way, such a small object can say so much! Thanks for providing such helpful context to understanding this piece!