Vrede tussen Engeland en Holland, te Westminster gesloten 1654

This silver medal by Sebastian Dadler commemorates the peace agreement between England and Holland. Its creation reflects the complex power dynamics of 17th-century Europe, a period marked by intense naval conflicts and shifting alliances. On one side, allegorical figures of England and Holland unite, symbolizing the end of hostilities. This imagery evokes a sense of harmony, but it's crucial to remember that such representations often mask the social and economic realities of the time. The emphasis on unity can be seen as an attempt to legitimize the treaty. Consider how the weight of the silver itself—nearly 90 grams—speaks to the economic considerations underpinning political alliances. The medal isn't just a symbol; it's a valuable object, a token of investment in a future of collaborative trade and governance. It reminds us that peace is not just an ideal, but a practical arrangement with tangible consequences for the lives of ordinary people.