Overwinningen van Karel V, Duits keizer, in de oorlog tegen Frankrijk, rekenpenning van Holland, Zeeland en Friesland 1515

This is a copper alloy medal celebrating the victories of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, against France, made in Holland, Zeeland and Friesland. The imagery on this medal reflects the complex political landscape of 16th-century Europe. Charles V, a member of the powerful Habsburg dynasty, ruled over a vast empire that included territories in modern-day Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. His conflicts with France were driven by dynastic rivalries and competition for European dominance. The Dutch provinces, represented on the medal, were part of Charles V's holdings and played a crucial role in his military campaigns. Medals such as these served a propagandistic function, bolstering the image of the ruler and legitimizing his power. As historians, we can analyze these objects alongside archival sources, such as letters, treaties, and financial records, to gain a fuller understanding of the political, social, and economic forces that shaped the early modern world. This medal offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of shifting alliances, religious tensions, and imperial ambitions.