Frans I tot Duits keizer gekozen 1745

This silver medal depicting the election of Charles VII as Holy Roman Emperor was created by Nicolaas van Swinderen in the Netherlands, likely sometime in the 1740s. This object speaks volumes about the politics of imagery and the public role of art in the 18th century. On one side, we see a portrait of Charles VII himself, rendered in the formal style befitting an emperor. On the other side, there is an image of a crown surrounded by rays of light, an emblem that signifies divine authority. This medal served as a kind of political propaganda, reinforcing the emperor’s legitimacy. The Dutch Republic, where the medal was made, was a key player in European power politics at this time and such objects offer insights into the political and economic structures that shaped artistic production. To understand this medal better, we might consult period newspapers, pamphlets, and diplomatic correspondence to learn more about the political context in which it was made. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that art’s meaning is always contingent on its social and institutional context.