Kroning van Maria II Stuart 1689

This is a medal of Mary II Stuart, created by Jan Luder I, likely around the time of her coronation. The medal presents us with a rich tableau of power, gender, and legitimacy in the late 17th century. Mary, daughter of James II, ascended to the throne as a woman in a political landscape dominated by men. Note how the medal portrays her, not just as a queen, but as a figure of almost divine right. The reverse side shows an eagle, a symbol of power, bathed in light, suggesting a divinely sanctioned rule. This imagery was particularly potent given the times, with many questioning the legitimacy of a female monarch, and the overthrow of her father. The medal seems to reassure its audience of her place on the throne. As you consider this piece, ask yourself what it says about the burdens and expectations placed upon women who dared to step into positions of power in past centuries.