Pfennig (Coin) of Arnold II von Isenburg, Archbishop of Trier
12th/13th centuries
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 1.5 cm (5/8 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
145259
Art Historical Context
This petite silver pfennig, struck under Arnold II von Isenburg, of Trier, offers a glimpse into the power dynamics of 12th- and 13th-century Germany. As a prince-bishop in the Holy Roman Empire, Arnold ruled the Electorate of Trier, one of Europe's most influential ecclesiastical states, blending spiritual authority with secular governance. Coins like this were essential tools for rulers to proclaim legitimacy, standardize trade, and circulate wealth across regions, often bearing symbols of faith and sovereignty such as crosses or episcopal insignia. Crafted from silver—a precious metal symb...
About the Artist
German
**German, Franconia (active ca. 1485–1500)** was an anonymous artist from the Franconian region of northern Bavaria, Germany, renowned for his contributions to late Gothic graphic arts. Little is known of his early life or training, as details about many anonymous masters from this era remain undocumented. Franconia, with its vibrant artistic centers like Nuremberg, fostered a rich tradition of re...