Filips II, koning van Spanje en Engeland 1556

This bronze medal depicts Filips II, King of Spain and England; its creation is anonymous and its date unknown. This piece invites us to consider the themes of power, religion, and national identity during a tumultuous period in European history. Notice the iconography: a pelican pierces its own breast to feed its young. The inscription reads ‘Pro Lege Rege Et Grege’, meaning ‘For the Law, the King, and the People’. The medal was likely produced around the time of the Dutch Revolt, when national and religious identities were contested. Filips II sought to enforce Catholicism and centralize power, but his policies were met with resistance in the Netherlands, where Protestantism had gained a foothold. This medal thus becomes a symbol of loyalty to the king, yet it simultaneously embodies a narrative of sacrifice and devotion. It asks us to consider the tensions between obedience and rebellion, faith and freedom. How do symbols shape our understanding of history and identity?