Charles V, 1500-1558, King of Spain 1516-1556, Holy Roman Emperor 1519 [obverse] 1516 - 1519

This bronze medal of Charles V was created by Giovanni Maria Pomedelli, an Italian Renaissance artist active in the early 16th century. The piece reflects the political and cultural landscape of Europe at the time, marked by the rise of powerful monarchies and the expansion of European influence through exploration and colonization. Charles V was Holy Roman Emperor during a period of intense religious and political conflict. He inherited a vast empire, which he struggled to maintain amidst the Protestant Reformation and ongoing wars with France and the Ottoman Empire. This medal was likely commissioned to project an image of power and authority but also to create a sense of unity amidst political fragmentation. Portraits of powerful men were tools used to disseminate messages about leadership, lineage, and cultural values. Consider what this image conveys about Charles V's identity and the values of his time, and how it reflects or challenges traditional representations of power.