Overlijden van Frederik III, Duits keizer 1493

Antonio Abondio crafted this bronze oval medal to commemorate the death of Frederick III. Its subdued color and tactile texture give a sense of solemnity. The portrait, in profile, presents the emperor in an almost classical style, yet the hat situates him firmly within his era. The obverse features a high-relief bust of Frederick III, while the reverse bears a symbolic representation. Abondio's careful modeling captures the nuances of Frederick’s features and attire. Around the edge, incised letters form a legend that speaks to the emperor's legacy. The artist uses semiotic signs to convey power, status, and remembrance. By manipulating the conventions of portraiture and the properties of bronze, Abondio invites us to contemplate how rulers are memorialized. The medal is not merely a record but an interpretation, engaging with the cultural codes of its time while prompting ongoing reflection on the nature of authority and memory.