Hulde aan Willem III en Maria II Stuart 1689

Jan Smeltzing created this silver medal to honor Willem III and Maria II Stuart. The medal's circular form is divided into two distinct fields, each bearing a profile portrait. The composition centres around the stark contrast between the textured surfaces of the portraits and the smooth, uniform background. The detailed inscriptions form a ring around each portrait, creating a visual boundary that contains and defines the subjects within. The choice of silver as a medium lends a sense of austerity and timelessness to the piece, while the detailed engravings reflect the socio-political context of the late 17th century, a period marked by shifts in power and governance. Ultimately, the medal acts as a symbolic marker that invites contemplation about the ways in which power and authority are represented through art.