Zegevierende intocht van Willem III te 's-Gravenhage 1691

This medal commemorating William III's triumphal entry into The Hague was made by Martin Schmeltzing. It invites us to consider the political function of art in the Netherlands at the end of the 17th century. On one side, it depicts a triumphal arch, an architectural structure meant to evoke those of ancient Rome and its emperors. The other side shows a stage where allegorical performances took place, celebrating William III and his military achievements. The medal showcases the use of classical imagery to create a political narrative around William III, portraying him as a victorious leader. The medal would have been a symbolic token of allegiance to the new political order after the "Glorious Revolution." The image on this medal acts as a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. It's a reminder that art is never neutral and that understanding the socio-political context is essential to interpreting its meaning. Investigating archives and historical documents helps us understand how visual culture shapes our perception of power, history, and national identity.