Bernhard van Cles, bisschop van Trente 1530

This silver medal depicts Bernhard van Cles, Bishop of Trente, and was crafted by an anonymous artist using metalworking techniques. The medal's material significantly influences its appearance, with the inherent qualities of silver – its luster, malleability, and weight – all contributing to its impact. The incised lettering and portrait show impressive skill in the manipulation of the metal. These processes imbue the medal with cultural significance, indicative of the skilled traditions of metalworking prevalent at the time. The production of such an object involved considerable labor, from mining and refining the silver to the skilled craftsmanship required for its design and execution. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of this medal, we gain a richer understanding of its full meaning.