Karel de Stoute

About this artwork

Bronzen penning. Voorzijde: borststuk man met lauwerkrans binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: guldenvlies tussen opschriften, binnen lauwerkrans.

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, created in 1474 by the Italian medallist Giovanni di Candida, portrays Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at height of his power. The obverse features a laurel-wreathed bust of the duke, while the reverse displays the emblem of the Order of the Fleece encircled by a laurel wreath. Measuring just3.8 centimeters in diameter, piece exemplifies the intimate scale of Renaissance portrait medals, which were designed to be held and examined closely. Giovanni di Candida brought Italian Renaissance techniques of bronze casting to the Burgundian court, blending classical motifs like the laurel wreath with local symbols of chivalry. Such medals served both as diplomatic gifts and personal mementos, allowing rulers to project authority in a portable form inspired by ancient Roman coins. Historically, the medal commemorates Charles the Bold during a period of ambitious territorial expansion. The prominent Golden Fleece motif underscores his role as head of this prestigious Burgundian order, highlighting themes of nobility and prestige that defined late medieval European courts.