Overwinning op de vloot van Federigo de Spinola voor de Zeeuwse kust 1603

This silver medal was made anonymously to commemorate the 1603 victory over the fleet of Federigo de Spinola off the coast of Zeeland. Crafting a medal like this began with the selection and preparation of the silver, chosen for its malleability and lasting shine. It was likely melted, cast into a blank, and then struck with dies, creating a permanent record of the battle. The crisp details of the ships, waves, and inscriptions demonstrate the engraver's skill in die-making. This piece speaks to the intense labor involved not only in its creation but also in the naval conflict it represents. The value of the silver underscores the economic stakes of maritime power in the 17th century. By focusing on this medal's material and making, we can see how it transcends mere representation, embodying the era's politics, labor, and the very material substance of power.