Geheime verdrag van Wenen tussen Spanje en Oostenrijk 1725

This medal, crafted by Philippe Roëttiers, commemorates the secret Treaty of Vienna between Spain and Austria. At its heart, we see two figures shaking hands, a timeless symbol of agreement. Above them, an eagle spreads its wings, a motif of power and sovereignty, reminiscent of ancient Roman emblems. But observe how the gesture of clasped hands, seemingly straightforward, echoes through history. It appears in ancient Roman depictions of concordia, the spirit of harmony, and resurfaces in medieval and Renaissance art to signify alliances. The eagle, too, has evolved, from a symbol of imperial Rome to a heraldic emblem of countless nations, each imbuing it with new layers of meaning. Consider how these symbols tap into our collective memory. The handshake evokes a sense of trust, a primal urge to connect. The eagle triggers feelings of national pride. These symbols possess a psychological resonance, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. They speak to our shared history, a non-linear progression where images resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings.