Jason Pratensis (1486-1558)

About this artwork

inscriptie, achterzijde: ‘Iason Pratensis ob. 1558’

Art Historical Context

This delicate copper medallion, measuring just 11 cm high by 9.5 cm wide, immortalizes Jason Pratensis (1486–1558), a prominent Dutch physician, humanist scholar, and professor at the University of Leuven. Created by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, a versatile 18th-century Dutch artist known for his portraits and engravings (active c. 1732–1771), it serves as a posthumous tribute nearly two centuries after Pratensis's death. The reverse bears a poignant Latin inscription: *Iason Pratensis ob.1558*, underscoring the enduring respect for this Renaissance figure who bridged medicine, classical studies, and humanism during the Northern Renaissance. Crafted in copper—a favored medium for small-scale medals due to its workability and affordability—Quinkhard's piece exemplifies the Dutch tradition of portrait medallions. These intimate objects, often engraved or struck in relief, were prized by collectors as portable memorials to intellectual heroes, blending sculptural precision with portraiture. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, it reflects 18th-century nostalgia for the Golden Age's scholarly giants, inviting us to ponder Pratensis's legacy in an era of scientific awakening. A charming artifact for any visitor fascinated by history's quiet honors!

About the Artist

Jan Maurits Quinkhard · 1688–1772

Comment on works: History; Genre; Portraits