Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland 1695

This silver medal depicting the Death of Mary II of England was created by Reynier Arondeaux around the turn of the 18th century. Arondeaux was part of a generation of artists navigating the complex politics of succession and national identity in the wake of the Glorious Revolution. The medal encapsulates the emotional and political climate of the time, as it reflects the deep sense of loss felt by the people of England upon the death of their queen. Mary, alongside her husband William of Orange, was seen as a beacon of Protestant stability. The medal, though small, illustrates the intricate dance between personal grief and public duty that defined the era. It is a reminder of the individual lives behind the grand narratives of history and the gendered expectations placed on those in power. It invites us to reflect on how personal stories intertwine with broader historical events.