Antoine Perrenot, kardinaal van Granvelle 1561

This medal portraying Antoine Perrenot, Cardinal Granvelle, was made in the late 16th century by Giovanni V. Melon. As with all struck coins and medals, the process began with incising a design into dies made of hardened steel. These would then be used to impress the image onto a blank disc of precious metal. What interests me most is the social context. The labor that went into creating the dies for this medal – the skill and time required – speaks to the Cardinal's status. The medal wasn't just money, but also a symbol. The very material signals wealth, while the artistry broadcasts the patron’s taste and sophistication. The image of a ship on stormy seas suggests Granvelle's resilience. The medal subtly equates the Cardinal with the ship, navigating difficult waters. In the context of the period, this medal transcends mere currency; it becomes a potent emblem of power and endurance. This piece prompts us to consider how design and craft are always intertwined with social and political forces.