Karel Alexander, hertog van Lotharingen-Bar, beschermheer der bouwkunst 1778

This silver medal was made in 1778 by an anonymous artist to celebrate Karel Alexander, Duke of Lorraine and Bar, as a patron of architecture. Let’s consider the social conditions that shape artistic production and the public role of art in this era. Made in Brussels, the medal features a profile of Karel Alexander on one side, while the other side bears a Latin inscription praising his contributions to the city's architecture. As a governor of the Austrian Netherlands, Karel Alexander was responsible for initiating several building projects, aligning himself with the cultural and political interests of the Habsburg Empire. This medal served as a form of political propaganda, promoting Karel Alexander's image as a benevolent ruler and patron of the arts. It also speaks to the power of art to reflect and reinforce existing social hierarchies and institutional structures. To better understand this artwork, historians might consult archival documents related to Karel Alexander's governorship, as well as contemporary accounts of Brussels' architectural development.