Raymund Fugger, 1489-1535, Scholar and Patron of the Arts [obverse] 

This silver medal, crafted by Matthes Gebel, portrays Raymund Fugger, the scholar and patron of the arts. Encircling Fugger's profile, we see a wreath, a symbol transcending time and culture. The wreath, echoing classical antiquity, traditionally signifies victory, honor, and eternal life. In ancient Greece, Olympic victors were crowned with laurel wreaths, their triumphs immortalized. This motif reappears throughout history, adorning Roman emperors and Renaissance heroes alike. Yet, its meaning subtly shifts, adapting to new contexts. Here, the wreath does not merely celebrate conquest but rather, it acknowledges Fugger's intellectual achievements and patronage. It is as though the collective memory of past glories imbues this image with a sense of timelessness and a psychological power that transcends mere portraiture. Through the wreath, Gebel evokes a profound connection to the classical world, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with the weight of history and the enduring power of human achievement.