Landing van Karel I bij Tazones in Spanje, rekenpenning van de raad van Financiën 1518

This is a Dutch jetton commemorating Charles I's landing at Tazones in Spain, an anonymous piece of metalwork made in 1618. Jettons, or reckoning counters, functioned as aides for mathematical calculation, and this one paradoxically celebrates a failed diplomatic mission of Charles I to Spain. Let’s consider the iconography: one side depicts the ship that brought Charles I to Spain and the flip side features a crowned emblem set above a wavy base. This imagery symbolizes the complex intersections of power, religion, and international relations. The fact that it was created by the Dutch—who at the time were at war with Spain—adds another layer of intrigue, since it underscores the intricate web of political and economic alliances. The jetton embodies the high-stakes game of politics and personal identity. It serves as a reminder of how personal ambitions and international diplomacy are often intertwined, and of the cultural and political power of the Netherlands during this period.