Overlijden van Claudius Lamoraal Prins de Ligne 1675 c. 1675

This silver medal was created in 1675 by Denis Waterloos to commemorate the death of Claudius Lamoraal, Prince de Ligne. What strikes the eye is the stark contrast between the portrait and the ship, and the immediacy of the imagery. The medal is divided into two distinct sides, each carrying symbolic weight. On one side, we see a profile of the Prince, meticulously detailed, surrounded by an inscription. The other side features a ship traversing tumultuous waves, boldly crossed out by a diagonal band. This immediately introduces the idea of closure and finality. The ship, a potent symbol of journey and adventure, is here deliberately negated. It is a statement about interrupted voyages and destinies unfulfilled. This piece reflects the somber occasion of the Prince's death, but it also touches upon broader themes of mortality and the transient nature of human endeavors. The medal serves as a powerful meditation on life, loss, and the symbols we use to navigate these profound experiences.