Zeeslag bij Kaap La Hogue, de Fransen verslagen door de vloot van Engeland en Holland 1692

This gilded medal, commemorating the naval battle of La Hogue, presents a fascinating study in miniature relief. Its circular form, a self-contained world, is divided into two distinct yet interconnected sides. One side depicts a profile portrait, framed by text that curves around the circumference. The other features a complex scene, likely representing the battle itself, with ships and perhaps symbolic figures rendered in incredibly fine detail. The artist, F. de Winter, uses the limited space to create depth through layering and varying the height of the relief. The choice of gold as a medium adds to the medal’s intrinsic value, both as a historical record and an object of art. Gold, traditionally linked with triumph, reflects and reinforces the event’s significance. The circular format contributes to the coin's inherent functionality and also implies the cyclical nature of history. The medal operates as a sign, encoding the political and martial accomplishment within a compact, enduring form.