Inname van Rome door Karel V 1537 - 1546

This medal, made by Leone Leoni, commemorates the Sack of Rome by Charles V. Its circular form, typical of coinage, immediately suggests themes of power and value. The obverse shows a profile of Charles V, encircled by text. The emperor's gaze and the lettering create a closed loop, reinforcing his authority. On the reverse, a seated figure represents Rome, her posture conveying defeat. Yet, this figure is rendered with classical allusions, elevating the event beyond mere pillage to underscore a complex dynamic of conquest. The medal operates as a semiotic system. The image of Charles V signifies imperial power, while the defeated Rome embodies vulnerability. The inscription frames these images, shaping our understanding of the event. Ultimately, this medal, through its form and imagery, functions as a propaganda tool, attempting to legitimize a violent act by framing it within a narrative of historical and moral consequence. But, like all attempts to fix meaning, its message remains open to interpretation.