Inname van Doornik 1709

This is a silver medal, made by John Croker, celebrating the Capture of Tournai. The medal presents us with two distinct sides, each laden with symbolic meaning. On one side, we see the portrait of Queen Anne, her gaze direct and regal. This emphasizes the sovereign as a central figure of power. On the other side, a seated female figure is depicted holding a crown above a grotesque mask, symbolizing the vanquished city. The imagery promotes a narrative of British dominance, and we should consider how such representations contribute to national identity and historical memory. Medals such as this one are not simply records of events; they are carefully crafted objects intended to shape public perception and affirm political authority. The medal becomes a poignant reminder of how power, gender, and national identity were intertwined in the visual culture of the time.