Filips III, koning van Spanje 1598

This bronze medal portraying Filips III, King of Spain, was created by an anonymous artist, as a commemorative object. The medal presents us with a moment frozen in time, amidst the Eighty Years' War, a struggle for independence which deeply impacted the identities and futures of both the Netherlands and Spain. Filips III reigned over a vast empire built on exploitation and colonialism, a stark contrast to the burgeoning Dutch Republic which was developing new social and economic models. On one side, we see the King, his image carefully crafted to project power. On the other side, an anchor symbolizes hope and stability, perhaps reflecting a desire for peace amidst conflict, or maybe, it expresses the importance of maritime power. This medal is more than a portrait; it's a symbol of a world in transition, capturing the complex interplay of power, identity, and the human desire for peace during a period of intense conflict.