Philip II, 1527-1598, King of Spain 1556 [obverse] 1557

This is a silver medal portraying Philip II, King of Spain, crafted by Gianpaolo Poggini. The circular form immediately presents a sense of completion and authority. The profile of Philip II is meticulously detailed. The artist creates a play of light and shadow across his features, suggesting a sense of depth and complexity. The inscription encircling the portrait acts as both a frame and a declaration, reinforcing the subject's identity and status. Poggini's work is more than a mere likeness. The carefully modulated surfaces and controlled relief speak to the power of representation and the semiotic language of portraiture. Consider how the formal elements—the lines, the curves, the inscription—work together to construct an image of power and permanence. The artist asks us to consider the ways in which art shapes our understanding of history and authority, inviting constant re-evaluation of its meaning.