Ernst Bogislaus, Duke of Croy and Arschott, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire [obverse] 1667

This circular metal piece presents a profile of Ernst Bogislaus, Duke of Croy and Arschott. The anonymous artist has meticulously shaped the metal to capture the Duke’s likeness, focusing on the intricate details of his wig and formal attire. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. The artist’s emphasis on line and volume directs our perception, underlining the Duke’s status through the very texture of the metal. The semiotic density here is striking; the circular form of the piece and the Duke’s profile are not merely representational but also symbolic. The artist utilizes the language of power and prestige inherent in portraiture. Consider how the tactile quality of the metal invites a haptic experience, suggesting a deeper engagement with the subject. This interplay between material and representation highlights how artworks function within, and contribute to, broader cultural narratives. It is through such formal choices that we perceive the intricate dance between power, representation, and the materiality of art itself.