Raad van Financiën 1594

This is an anonymous medal, likely made of copper, that commemorates the Council of Finance in the Dutch Republic, dating back to 1594. The imagery on this medal offers a glimpse into the values and priorities of the Dutch Republic at the time. We see the crowned coat of arms, symbolizing authority and governance, and a figure of Virtue standing confidently on a globe with a ship on the horizon. In the late 16th century, the Netherlands was in the throes of the Eighty Years' War against Spain, and naval power was critical to protecting trade routes and asserting independence. The Council of Finance was at the heart of funding this struggle, managing the Republic’s resources. The medal subtly reinforces the idea of Dutch maritime dominance, linking financial stability with the nation’s identity. Such objects tell us about how early modern states were managing their image and their economies. To understand these dynamics, historians delve into archival records of the Council itself, as well as studies of Dutch maritime history.