Karel V schenkt de stad Hildesheim een wapen 1605

Editor: So, this engraved metal relief from 1605 depicts ‘Karel V schenkt de stad Hildesheim een wapen’, or Charles V bestowing a coat of arms on the city of Hildesheim. It's anonymous, so we don't know who created it. I'm struck by how intricate the detail is, despite its relatively small scale. It’s almost like holding history in your hand. What story do you see in this object? Curator: It whispers of power and civic pride. Imagine the scene: a city, eager to receive royal recognition, and Charles V, emblem of authority. The relief isn't just about an event; it’s about forging an identity. That coat of arms would have been a powerful symbol, wouldn’t it? More than just decoration; it was legitimacy made visible. Almost a branding exercise if you will. Does the piece communicate any specific emotions or attitudes through its composition or characters? Editor: I notice that Charles looks dignified but not overly warm; the emphasis seems more on the act itself rather than the relationship. Curator: Precisely! It's a statement of imperial benevolence, carefully curated. The weight of the metal, the precise lines…it all speaks to enduring legacy, wouldn’t you agree? How do you imagine such an object was valued in its time, and perhaps even now? Editor: I guess people wanted a visible and solid proof that a high figure has approved their identity. It is a great reminder of the moment and a valuable artwork, which increases its value through time. Curator: Absolutely. Think of it: owning a piece of history that legitimises the city’s very being! It is great that it still resonates today. Thanks to your questions, I have looked at it under another light.