Slag bij Oudenaarde 1708

Martin Brunner created this silver medal, commemorating the Battle of Oudenaarde during a time of intense European conflict. Consider how the art of medal-making during this era was not just about recording history, but also about shaping public perception and national identity. The medal presents two distinct scenes. One side shows allegorical figures representing military leaders, celebrating victory and alliance. The other depicts a defeated figure—a rooster, the symbol of France—cowering before an eagle, symbolizing the victorious forces. This imagery speaks volumes about the construction of national pride through the subjugation of others. In this context, ask yourself: Whose story is being told here, and whose is being silenced? While the medal celebrates military triumph, it also reflects the complex and often brutal realities of war. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of such victories, and the power dynamics that shape our understanding of history.