Vredesonderhandelingen tussen Frankrijk en Spanje, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Filips IV, koning van Spanje 1649

This is a bronze medal, or rekenpenning, made by an anonymous artist to commemorate the peace negotiations between France and Spain. It honors Philip IV, King of Spain. The medal’s creation reflects the intricate dance of power, identity, and representation in 17th-century European politics. The imagery and symbolism of the coin are steeped in the visual language of power. The coat of arms and temple-like structure aren’t just decorative; they communicate ideas about national identity, political authority, and cultural values. The choice to memorialize peace through this object suggests a deep understanding of how material culture can shape collective memory and legitimize political actions. What does it mean to strike a medal in times of war? The act of creating and distributing such an object becomes a way of negotiating and solidifying identities on a larger scale. This medal offers a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory ways that societies use art to make sense of conflict and strive for peace.