Dimensions: diameter 3.6 cm, weight 14.74 gr
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This silver medal, commemorating the Peace of the Pyrenees, was crafted by Jean Warin. The coin's circular form encloses two distinct images, each meticulously rendered with contrasting textures and depths. On one side, Cardinal Mazarin is depicted in profile. The artist uses the circular frame as a structural device to contain the portrait and the surrounding inscription. The opposite side shows an anchor, set in a marine landscape that emphasizes stability. The anchor acts as a visual metaphor, suggesting a resolution. Warin exploits the reflective properties of the silver medium to amplify the coin's symbolic content. The contrasting textures, and the relationship between form and symbol, not only reflect the specific historical event but also invite us to consider the broader implications of peace. Meaning here arises not just from the imagery but from the material properties and formal arrangement.
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