Grave door prins Willem III ingenomen 1674

This silver medal, created by Johann Blum, commemorates a pivotal moment in Dutch history: the recapture of Grave by Prince William III. Created in a time of conflict and political maneuvering, it showcases not just a military victory but also the intricate interplay of power, identity, and belief. On one side, we see an aerial view of the city, with troops in the foreground and Prince William III himself. The other side depicts a serene, pastoral scene. Inscriptions in Dutch frame both sides of the medal, such as 'Godis gootbeit maeckt ons grimalen vast' —God's goodness makes our borders strong. Blum’s medal is more than a historical record; it's a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. It serves to bolster the image of William III as a divinely appointed leader, and to unite the Dutch populace behind him. Reflect on how this small, handheld object encapsulates a much larger narrative of national pride, religious conviction, and the ever-present realities of war and political ambition.