Emperor Charles V 18th century

This undated medal of Emperor Charles V was crafted by Koehler sometime in the 18th century. In it, we see how powerful leaders such as Charles V used portraiture to disseminate carefully crafted images of themselves. The medal presents Charles V in profile, holding a scepter and wearing elaborate garments, visual indicators of imperial power. These details speak to the self-conscious construction of a ruler's image within the context of 18th-century European monarchies. It's a visual language deeply rooted in the history of European power and prestige, reminiscent of earlier Renaissance and Baroque portraiture. To truly understand this medal, historians often delve into a variety of sources: official records, personal correspondence, and even fashion trends. The image and its dissemination also says a great deal about the institutions of power which it served. Only by considering these factors can we gain a more complete understanding of art as a product of social and institutional context.