Overlijden van Filips van Croy, heer van Aarschot

About this artwork

diameter 3.6 cm x weight 23.18 gr

Art Historical Context

Nestled among the treasures of Renaissance numismatics, *Overlijden van Fil van Croy, heer Aarschot* (Death of Filips van Croy, of Aarschot) is a delicate bronze medal crafted by the masterful Flemish artist Jacques Jonghelinck in 1595. Measuring just 3.6 cm in diameter and weighing .18 grams, this casting exemplifies the exquisite medal-making tradition of Antwerp, where Jonghelinck flourished as a leading sculptor and engraver. Such small-scale works were prized collectibles among nobility and scholars, blending portraiture with historical commemoration. The medal honors Filips van Croy (1526–1595), a powerful Flemish nobleman, Count of Aarschot, and key figure in the turbulent politics of the Low Countries during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. His death marked the end of an era for Habsburg loyalists, and Jonghelinck's piece likely captures his likeness in a poignant deathbed scene or eulogistic portrait—common motifs for *mortem* medals that served as personal mementos and symbols of transience. Jonghelinck's technique of casting allowed for intricate details in miniature, showcasing Renaissance precision in modeling faces, drapery, and inscriptions. This artwork reflects the era's fusion of art and memory, inviting us to ponder the fragility of power amid Europe's shifting alliances. A gem for medal enthusiasts, it whispers tales of loyalty and loss from the 16th century.