Overwinning bij Aghrim, behaald tijdens de afwezigheid van Willem III 1691

This bronze medal, made by Jan Smeltzing, captures the 'Victory at Aghrim, during the Absence of William III'. The medal presents a fascinating study in relief and symbolic representation. One side features a profile of William III, encircled by text, while the reverse depicts a lion, symbolising England, triumphing over an eagle, a common symbol for opposing forces. Notice the tension created by the dynamic composition. The lion's powerful stance and the eagle's defeated posture aren’t just pictorial elements. The arrangement serves as a semiotic device, communicating clear messages about power, dominance, and victory. Smeltzing’s use of material here—the density and texture of the bronze—lends a weighty permanence to these symbolic assertions. This is more than just a depiction of an event, it's a structured statement about historical and political realities, crafted through careful manipulation of form and symbol.