Elisabeth Kreler, c. 1490-after 1535, Wife of Laux Kreler 

This silver medal depicting Elisabeth Kreler, wife of Laux Kreler, was made in Germany around the early 16th century by Hans Kels the Younger. Medals like this offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the Renaissance. This was a time when the rising merchant class was eager to emulate the aristocracy. Portrait medals, inspired by ancient coins, became a popular way for wealthy individuals to commemorate themselves and their families. The choice of silver as a medium speaks to the affluence of the Kreler family, while the detailed depiction of Elisabeth's clothing reflects the importance placed on outward appearance and social status. Inscriptions were also important visual cues for the viewer, which in this instance, names Elisabeth and offers a sense of her virtue as an ‘Alter Ich’, or ‘old I’. This reference is used to suggest she holds strong family values. To understand this medal fully, we need to consider the social conditions that shaped its creation. Archival research into the Kreler family and the artistic patronage of the era would reveal even more about the context and meaning of this intriguing object.