Herovering van Namen door Willem III 1695

This silver medal, commemorating the recapture of Namur by William III, presents a fascinating study in miniature relief. Jan Luder, who created this piece, uses the circular form to frame two distinct scenes, each a tableau of symbolic and political significance. On one side, we see a dynamic depiction of conquest: figures in action against a detailed cityscape. The other side features more static, allegorical imagery. The composition here utilizes balance. Figures are placed symmetrically around a central structure. Text acts as a grounding element, anchoring the visual field. The very materiality of the silver lends a weighty, enduring quality, reflecting the historical importance of the event it commemorates. Luder's choices in composition and relief depth serve to underscore the themes of power, justice, and historical narrative, inviting viewers to decode the visual language of 17th-century political symbolism.