Beëindiging van de geschillen tussen Amsterdam en Willem III en diens aanstaande overtocht naar Ierland 1690

This silver medal, commemorating the resolution of disputes between Amsterdam and William III, presents a fascinating interplay of power and allegory. Its circular form constrains a dense composition, forcing symbolic elements into close proximity. Note the juxtaposition of the regal female figure, likely representing Amsterdam, with the lion, a traditional symbol of strength and authority. The lion’s posture, subdued yet present, suggests a negotiation of power rather than outright dominance. In opposition, the escaping goat signifies unrest and is being repelled. This carefully balanced arrangement conveys a sense of restored harmony, achieved through negotiation and the promise of future stability. The medal’s success lies in its formal economy: the artist uses the limited space to create a complex visual argument. The absence of overt color directs our attention to the relief and texture, enhancing the symbolic weight of each carefully rendered figure. The medal does not offer a fixed reading, but invites us to consider the dynamics of power and reconciliation, captured in a moment of delicate equilibrium.