Charles V, 1500-1558, King of Spain 1516-1556, Holy Roman Emperor 1519 [obverse] 1537

This is Hans Reinhart the Elder's bronze medal of Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor. The circular form of the medal is immediately striking, a shape that suggests both completeness and containment. Reinhart uses the limited space to create a portrait rich in detail, where the Emperor's figure is rendered in high relief. The texture of the metal gives a tactile quality, inviting a close, almost haptic engagement. The Emperor's gaze directs us to follow the inscriptions which frame the image. This is not merely a portrait but a carefully constructed representation of power and authority, designed to be circulated and read. The medal operates as a sign, charged with symbolic meaning, intended to communicate a specific message about the Emperor's status and reign. It prompts us to reflect on the semiotic function of art in shaping historical narratives.