Maximiliaan I, Duits keizer 1518

This is a silver coin portraying Maximiliaan I, a German Emperor, created by an anonymous artist. The coin's surface is a fascinating play of bas-relief, which invites the eye to trace the contours of the Emperor's profile and the heraldic shields on the reverse. The composition relies on a formal balance, employing the circular form of the coin to frame the subject and emblems. The artist's strategic use of line and depth carves out a sense of space, offering a structured narrative of power and identity. The circular format serves as an emblem for the authority and reach of Maximiliaan's reign, echoing the structure of medieval seals and emblems of power. The formal qualities of the coin extend beyond mere representation; they function as semiotic markers, each line and emblem meticulously crafted to convey messages of legitimacy and dominion. As you observe the Emperor's likeness and the carefully inscribed text, consider how this small object engages with, and seeks to reinforce, the grand narratives of imperial power and legacy.