Coat of Arms [reverse] 1538

This silver Coat of Arms round was made by Hans Kels the Younger in the mid-16th century. As a cast object, it began with the creation of a mold, likely carved in a soft material like wood or wax. Molten silver was then poured in, cooled, and the resulting form chased and engraved to sharpen the details. Look closely, and you’ll see the fine lines of these tools. The imagery speaks to the social context of its making. On the reverse is a shield with crossed staffs, and the inscription 'In Domino Confido Anno M.D. XXXVIII,' or 'In God I trust, in the year 1538', expressing faith and perhaps affiliation with a particular community. The careful artistry and precious material speak to the owner’s status, but also to the labor required to produce such an object. The work of the engraver is as important as the message conveyed. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward objects can embody complex social and artistic relationships.