Caspar Hedio, 1494-1552, Preacher and Minister 

This medal portraying Caspar Hedio, a preacher and minister, was created in the 16th century by Friedrich Hagenauer. The material used is likely silver or a similar metal alloy. Hagenauer would have employed metalworking techniques such as casting and chasing to create this small but detailed portrait. The texture achieved by the fine lines and subtle modeling of the face gives it a tactile quality, despite its scale. It's important to remember that objects like this were not made in isolation. The production of metalwork was highly skilled and involved a network of workshops and suppliers. This medal reflects not only the artistry of Hagenauer but also the broader social and economic context of the 16th century. It challenges us to consider how material objects are embedded in the labor and lives of those who made them.