Vrede van Fuessen tussen Oostenrijk en Beieren 1745

Andreas Vestner created this bronze medal, ‘Peace of Füssen Between Austria and Bavaria,’ its date uncertain. The medal presents two distinct sides, each with its own compositional focus. One side features a high-relief portrait of Maria Theresa, her regal bearing emphasized by the circular inscription. Turn the coin over, and you’ll see an allegorical scene with classical architecture, with the figure of Peace. The composition is meticulously balanced. Vestner employs a semiotic language typical of his time, using recognizable symbols of power and peace. The architectural elements frame the figure, directing our gaze and reinforcing the medal's thematic concern with order and harmony. The inscriptions, acting as both text and design, create a structured border. Vestner’s medal is not merely a historical marker but a carefully constructed object. Its circular form symbolizes unity and completeness, while the tactile quality of the bronze invites a physical connection. The medal encourages us to reflect on the interplay between power, representation, and the artistic construction of historical narratives.