Inname van Maastricht door Frederik Hendrik 1632

This silver medal depicting the Capture of Maastricht by Frederik Hendrik was produced by Aert Verbeeck. Commemorative medals like this one served as powerful tools for shaping public perception and solidifying political power during the Dutch Golden Age. The medal portrays Frederik Hendrik, a key figure in the Dutch Republic, in profile on one side, and a detailed depiction of the siege of Maastricht on the other. The choice of silver as a medium is significant, reflecting the wealth and economic prosperity of the Dutch Republic at the time. The inscriptions, rendered in Latin, lend an air of classical authority and connect the Dutch Republic to the legacy of the Roman Empire, a common strategy in early modern Europe to legitimize political power. Medals like this weren't just historical records; they actively contributed to the construction of national identity and the glorification of military achievements. To understand this medal fully, we can consult archival records, political pamphlets, and other visual representations of the time. These sources can reveal the medal's role in shaping public opinion and reinforcing the authority of the Dutch Republic.