Double Guldiner 1509

Curator: This is a Double Guldiner, a silver coin created by Ulrich Ursentaler around 1509. Editor: The craftsmanship is incredible! Even in this small format, the texture and relief create a compelling visual drama. Curator: Ursentaler was a master of die-cutting, crucial for reproducing these coins. Note how this piece served both as currency and propaganda. Editor: Absolutely. The formal elements work together seamlessly. The king on horseback displays an ideal of power, while heraldic symbols assert political dominance. Curator: These coins were made to circulate, embedding these images and their associated ideologies into everyday life. The material becomes a carrier of social meaning. Editor: A fascinating intersection of artistry and statecraft. It really rewards close looking. Curator: Agreed. It's a glimpse into the economy and artistry of the early 16th century.