Zeeslag bij Vigo (Vigos): het verbranden van de Franse en Spaanse vloot, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Anna Stuart, koning van Engeland 1702
metal, engraving
portrait
baroque
metal
history-painting
engraving
miniature
Dimensions diameter 2.6 cm, weight 5.52 gr
This is an anonymous medal made to honor Anna Stuart, Queen of England. Its circular form, material, and relief work convey a sense of enduring power and commemorate a historical event. The medal is bisected into two distinct yet interconnected visual fields. One side presents a formal portrait of Queen Anne, framed by an inscription that speaks to her titles. The other depicts the naval battle of Vigo, rendered with ships engulfed in flames amidst a stylized sea and landscape. The composition employs symbolism to reinforce a narrative of triumph and authority. The Queen's portrait, neoclassical in its execution, positions her as a figure of dignified leadership. The burning fleet is not merely a depiction of war but functions as a signifier of British naval prowess and dominance. The medal, therefore, serves as both a historical record and a piece of political communication. Its form and imagery are carefully constructed to convey specific meanings, reflecting the cultural values and power dynamics of its time.
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