Paulus Pfintzig von Henfenfeld, raadsheer van Karel V 1551

This silver medal, depicting Paulus Pfintzig von Henfenfeld on horseback, was made by Jacques Jonghelinck in the 16th century. Silver, even in such a small form, was a material of considerable value. The medal was likely made using a technique called striking, in which a die is used to impress the design onto the metal. The image has taken on social and cultural significance because of its reference to power and prestige. Note the way the horse is rearing up, a classical trope of leadership and control. This medal is a reminder that even the smallest objects can be powerful symbols, and that the materials and processes used to create them are often deeply intertwined with social and political meanings. It also urges us to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.