Vrede van Munster 1648

This silver medal was crafted by Sebastian Dadler to commemorate the Peace of Münster. This pivotal treaty in 1648 marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and the recognition of the Dutch Republic by Spain. The medal attempts to encapsulate the complex historical, political, and social undercurrents of its time. One side depicts allegorical figures of Peace and Justice standing over discarded weapons, symbolizing the triumph over conflict. On the other side, we see the symbolic handshake between representatives of Spain and the Dutch Republic, a gesture laden with the weight of decades of conflict. This medal offers a lens through which to consider themes of diplomacy, identity, and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder of the human capacity to heal from devastating conflict, but it also acknowledges the legacies and power structures that shape such resolutions. It encapsulates a moment of hope amidst the backdrop of a war-torn Europe.