Salamander in Flames [reverse] 1515 - 1518

This bronze medal, made by Giovanni Maria Pomedelli in the 16th century, depicts a salamander in flames, encircled by an inscription. As a historian, I’m interested in how images like this can be read in their cultural context. The imagery of the salamander has specific cultural resonance. The salamander, which according to ancient myth was immune to fire, was a popular emblem for Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Charles V, who ruled over the Italian states at the time, adopted the salamander as a symbol of his ability to withstand the challenges of ruling a vast empire during a period of religious and political turmoil. These kinds of historical associations are invaluable for understanding art. Primary source material such as letters, political pamphlets, and even fashion trends can reveal the cultural context of artworks like this medal, giving us a richer understanding of its symbolic meaning.