Shield of Arms Held by an Angel of the Resurrection [reverse] c. 1573

This is a bronze uniface medal, likely crafted to commemorate a significant event, bearing the image of a "Shield of Arms Held by an Angel of the Resurrection." The anonymous artist situates the viewer in a theological and political landscape. The iconography of the angel, poised above a detailed heraldic shield, speaks volumes about the era's intersection of religious faith and aristocratic power. Angels, as messengers of God, often appear during tumultuous times in history. Here, the iconography reinforces the authority of the figures represented on the shield. It represents a family, dynasty, or institution whose identity is rooted in both earthly nobility and divine endorsement. The choice to depict an angel, rather than a more conventional heraldic supporter, subtly elevates the status of the bearer. The shield is not merely a symbol of earthly power, but a divinely sanctioned emblem of authority. It serves to remind us of the complex interplay between religious belief, social hierarchy, and political power that continues to shape our world.