Frederik III, Duits keizer en zijn zoon Maximiliaan 1531

This bronze medal, likely crafted around 1500 by Ulrich Gebhart, portrays Emperor Frederick III and his son Maximilian. Note how the figures are presented in profile, a convention harking back to ancient Roman portraiture, intended to evoke notions of power and imperial authority. On the reverse, the elaborate coat of arms crowned by a majestic double-headed eagle reminds us of the Roman Imperial Eagle. The eagle itself, a symbol of power and dominion, can be traced back through history, appearing in Mesopotamian, Persian, and Roman iconography. This emblem suggests a conscious effort to connect the Holy Roman Empire with the grandeur and legitimacy of past empires, tapping into a deep well of collective memory. The image is a powerful assertion of imperial authority, designed to resonate with viewers on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of respect and awe. These symbols have undergone endless transformations, appearing and reappearing, each time imbued with new significance, reflecting the ever-changing currents of history.