Kroning van Ferdinand II tot Duits keizer te Frankfurt 1619

This medal was made by Hans von der Putt to commemorate the coronation of Ferdinand II as Holy Roman Emperor. The medal depicts a portrait of Ferdinand II on one side, and the crowned Imperial Eagle on the other. Made in 17th-century Germany, this object is a window into the complex politics of the Holy Roman Empire. The imagery creates meaning through cultural references, the Imperial Eagle symbolizing power and authority, and the portrait serving as a form of propaganda, reinforcing Ferdinand II's image as a strong leader. In a time of religious conflict and political upheaval, the medal would have circulated among elites, serving as a reminder of Imperial authority. Understanding an artwork such as this medal requires a deep dive into the historical context: research into the political and social conditions of 17th-century Germany and into the institutional history of the Holy Roman Empire helps to uncover the meanings it held for its original audience.