Peace with Holland [obverse] 1654

Sebastian Dadler created this silver medal in 1648, commemorating the Peace of Münster. It’s a fascinating look into the cultural and political landscape following the end of the Thirty Years' War. The medal depicts allegorical figures meant to evoke ideals of peace and unity. Two female figures are shown, one holding a lyre, symbolizing harmony, and the other raising a hat, a gesture of freedom and celebration. Below them, we see figures representing the defeated or subdued, signaling the end of conflict. Latin inscriptions circle the medal, emphasizing themes of concord and the banishment of bitterness. These symbols reflect the desire for a return to stability and prosperity after decades of war. Yet, these idealized representations also obscure the complex social realities of the time. As you look at this medal, consider the stories it tells and the perspectives it leaves out. What did peace mean for different groups within Dutch and European society? The medal serves as a reminder of the power of art to shape collective memory and influence how we understand historical events.