Inhuldiging van Karel II van Spanje als graaf van Vlaanderen 1666

This is a silver medal, commemorating the inauguration of Charles II of Spain as Count of Flanders, and was struck in 1666 by an anonymous artist. Charles II, a member of the Habsburg dynasty, inherited a vast empire, but his reign was marked by political instability and the decline of Spanish power. On one side of the medal, we see a portrait of Charles II, while the other side depicts an image of a phoenix rising from the flames, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. This imagery reflects the hopes and expectations placed on Charles II as he assumed his role as Count of Flanders. The medal is a reminder of the complex dynamics of power, identity, and representation during a pivotal moment in European history. What does it mean to inherit power, and what responsibilities come with that inheritance? The medal invites us to consider the ways in which our identities are shaped by history, politics, and cultural narratives.