Voor- en achterzijde van een penning met portret van Karel de Stoute, hertog van Bourgondië 1683 - 1733

This sanguine drawing depicts the obverse and reverse sides of a medal portraying Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and was created by Bernard Picart. Notice how the two circular medallions are framed by an intricate, rectangular border. These ornamental flourishes are composed of swirling lines and repeated motifs, which serve to both contain and amplify the central images. The image on the left presents a profile of Charles, his features rendered with a crisp precision that conveys authority. Opposite, the reverse side of the medal displays symbolic imagery and text, encircled by what seems to be laurel. The drawing exemplifies Picart's skill in capturing detail and texture, transforming a utilitarian object into a piece of art. The linear quality and symmetry of the composition reflect the era's emphasis on order and classical ideals. It invites us to consider how power is constructed and disseminated through artistic representation.