Aankomst van Karel III, koning van Spanje in Portugal 1704

This silver medal, made by Jan Boskam, commemorates Charles III's arrival in Portugal. The medal's small size belies its significance as a propaganda object. Silver lends itself to being stamped and molded with great precision, and that’s what we see here. The density of the material suggests a certain intrinsic value and permanence, appropriate to the status of royalty. Look closely, and you'll notice that the silver surface is not perfectly reflective, but subtly textured. This was achieved by carefully preparing dies, with every line and detail incised by a skilled hand. Although small in scale, the medal served as a powerful tool for shaping public perception. It speaks to the social and political landscape of the time, and to the ongoing influence of artistic traditions, from sculpture to jewelry, in defining status. By valuing the materials, making processes, and context, we gain a richer understanding of this artwork, beyond traditional art history.