erasmus1 Quentin Massys (1466-1530)

The presented bronze medallions offer a study in portraiture and commemorative design. The obverse side depicts a male figure rendered in profile, facing left. He is adorned with a distinctive, layered headwear – a combination of a biretta and what appears to be a clerical collar or scarf – suggesting a position of religious authority. His expression is solemn, almost melancholic, conveyed through the downturned mouth and slightly furrowed brow. The detailing on his face reveals an attempt at realism, with careful attention paid to the rendering of wrinkles and subtle variations in skin tone. Inscriptions encircle the portrait, written in Latin, adding a layer of historical or biographical significance. A date, 1599, is positioned near the lower edge of the medallion.
The reverse side presents a different composition. Here we see a female figure, also depicted in profile and facing left, with an elaborate hairstyle that suggests nobility or high social standing. She wears a simple garment, revealing her neck and shoulders. Behind her rises a stylized architectural structure – a plinth or monument – upon which the inscription Termi Nvs is placed. The surrounding text on this side also appears to be in Latin, likely providing further context about the subjects life or accomplishments. A wreath-like motif encircles the figure and inscriptions, adding an element of formality and celebration. The phrase “Mors Ultima Lingua Barrier” is visible along the edge.
The medallions’ design suggests a deliberate effort to memorialize individuals of importance. The use of Latin inscriptions indicates a learned audience or a desire to connect with classical traditions. The contrast between the two sides – a male figure in religious garb and a female figure representing nobility – implies that these are portraits of distinct individuals, possibly related through family lineage or shared patronage. The overall aesthetic is one of reverence and commemoration, indicative of a culture valuing historical record and personal legacy.