Margaretha van Calslagen, echtgenote van Joachim Polites 1559

This silver medal depicting Margaretha van Calslagen, wife of Joachim Polites, was created by Jacques Jonghelinck around the late 16th century. During this period, the Renaissance was in full bloom, influencing art, culture, and society with its humanist values. Medals like these were fashionable amongst the elite, serving not just as personal keepsakes but also as symbols of status and lineage. Margaretha’s dignified profile and elaborate attire reflect her position within the upper echelons of society. It offers a glimpse into the identity of women during the Renaissance, whose roles were often defined by their marital status, while some still held considerable influence within their families and communities. The medal’s intimate size and weight encourages a personal connection, inviting contemplation on the lives and legacies of individuals immortalized in art. The medal serves as a touchstone, reminding us to consider the personal stories embedded within the grand narratives of history.