Filips van Croy, hertog van Aarschot, prins van Chimay 1567

This silver medal of Filips van Croy was made by Jacques Jonghelinck in 1567. Notice how the circular form, with its raised, beaded edge, encloses two distinct yet unified fields of information. On one side, the profiled bust of Croy is encircled by his titles; on the other, a beehive, itself a structured form, is surrounded by text and symbolic floral elements. Jonghelinck’s use of low relief and subtle gradations of tone model form and texture. This echoes classical precedents, while the carefully arranged lettering and heraldic symbols reflect a humanist aesthetic focused on clarity and order. The medal’s structure invites us to consider the relationship between image and text, public identity, and personal symbolism. The visual elements and their arrangement underscore themes of governance, industry, and nobility. These aren’t merely decorative; they articulate Croy’s status and values within a tightly constructed visual language. As such, this medal is not just a portrait, but a carefully wrought statement of power and identity.