Conrad Peutinger, 1465-1547, Humanist and Antiquarian 1527

Editor: So, this metal relief is a portrait of Conrad Peutinger, a Humanist and Antiquarian, created in 1527 by Friedrich Hagenauer. It’s interesting how a material like metal can capture someone's likeness with such detail, but it's got me wondering about the time and labor put into this; what does that labor contribute to our understanding of it? Curator: A great question! The medal form, rendered in metal, immediately speaks to status and permanence, right? Think about the social context. This wasn't mass-produced. Hagenauer likely worked directly with Peutinger, or someone of his status, under his employment. Editor: Exactly, you can almost feel the exchange of wealth for labour in its material presence, something that you lose with mass production. Is the metal itself symbolic in any way? Curator: Absolutely. The choice of metal wasn't arbitrary. Precious metals would indicate substantial wealth and a patron willing to invest in a lasting image, linking him to the power and authority. Who got to decide to commission that image, and who were these items available for? These objects served to elevate individuals within that system. Do you notice how the inscriptions also play a role in establishing him? Editor: They do. The text memorializes him, in a way. How does this production reflect the shift away from the old religious models toward a model of individual humanism? Curator: This portrait medal reflects the rising prominence of individuals through their accomplishments and intellectual pursuits during the Renaissance. By producing images of people like this, artists provided these upper echelons with a means of communicating their ideals through material objects. Hagenauer's artistry literally lends weight to Peutinger's persona through his mastery of the medium. Editor: Fascinating. Considering the process and the cultural context behind the relief gives so much more perspective on the object itself. I had just assumed the choice of material was arbitrary.