Filips V, koning van Spanje, rekenpenning geslagen op last van kasselrij Vieux-Bourg van Gent Possibly 1703

This is a bronze medal of Filips V, King of Spain, made by Philippe Roëttiers. Imagine holding this small disc in your hand. The imagery and inscriptions speak volumes about power, religion, and local identity in a time of shifting European allegiances. On one side, Filips V, his title, and the assertion that he is catholic, emphasize his authority and divine right to rule. Turn it over and you see a representation of the kasselrij Vieux-Bourg of Gent, reminding us of local autonomy. Roëttiers was born into a family of goldsmiths and medalists who served various European courts. His work is a fascinating intersection of artistic skill and political messaging. The medal acts as a form of propaganda, reinforcing the King’s image while acknowledging regional identity. It reflects the tensions between centralized authority and local governance, and how artists navigated these complexities. How did the people of Gent perceive this symbol of power? Did it foster loyalty, or resentment?