Salamander in Flames [reverse] 1537

This small, circular medal, "Salamander in Flames," was created by Ludwig Neufahrer around the mid-16th century. The design is dominated by a salamander engulfed in stylized flames, encircled by an inscription and wreath. The composition immediately draws our eye to the creature at the center. Neufahrer's choice of a circular format cleverly reinforces the cyclical nature of fire, creating a sense of continuous, self-sustaining energy. The intricate details of the flames, juxtaposed with the smooth, rounded form of the salamander, establish a visual rhythm. The circular inscription acts as a frame, emphasizing the enclosed, self-contained world within the medal. The choice of silver as a medium is not incidental. Its cool, reflective surface contrasts with the implied heat of the flames, adding a layer of semiotic complexity. The medal, therefore, is not merely a decorative object, but a symbolic exploration of resilience and transformation, inviting us to consider the interplay between form and meaning.