Jan Walravenz, rederijker uit Brussel 1563

This portrait medal of Jan Walravenz was created by Jacques Jonghelinck in the late 16th century. It's cast in bronze, a material often associated with commemorative objects due to its durability and the sharp detail it can hold. Medals like this were made using a lost-wax casting process. First, a model would have been sculpted in wax. This would then be encased in clay, heated to melt away the wax, and molten bronze poured into the resulting cavity. Once cooled, the clay would be broken away to reveal the finished medal. The level of detail achieved is remarkable. From the texture of Walravenz’s beard to the intricate folds of his clothing, each element speaks to Jonghelinck’s skill as a sculptor and caster. This wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was about immortalizing the sitter, Jan Walravenz, who was a member of a chamber of rhetoric in Brussels. The labor-intensive process reflects the value placed on portraiture at the time, a way of preserving one's legacy and status. By understanding the materials and making process, we gain a richer understanding of the medal's purpose and significance.