Maria of Burgundy, died 1482, Wife of Maximilian of Austria 1477 [reverse] 1477

This bronze medal depicting Maria of Burgundy was created by Giovanni Candida around 1477. Maria, daughter of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, became duchess upon his death, inheriting vast territories. Her marriage to Maximilian of Austria was a strategic alliance, pivotal in European politics. The medal portrays Maria in profile, her elegant features and elaborate hairstyle emblematic of her noble status. The inscription surrounding her image details her titles, emphasizing her power. Interestingly, the presence of Candida, an Italian artist, underscores the interconnectedness of European courts. Candida’s work provides a glimpse into the world of courtly life, where identity was shaped by lineage, marriage, and political maneuvering. The medal, beyond its function as a commemorative object, embodies the complexities of female leadership in a patriarchal society. It serves as a reminder of how women navigated power through strategic alliances and carefully crafted public images.