Vrede van Breda 1667 1667

Christoffel Adolphi crafted this medal in 1667 to commemorate the Peace of Breda. The figure of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, dominates the scene, holding a caduceus, a symbol of diplomacy and negotiation. This image is rich with symbolic intent. The lion, a traditional symbol of strength and courage, lies peacefully at her feet, signifying subdued conflict. The caduceus, entwined with serpents, speaks to healing and reconciliation, concepts as old as the Rod of Asclepius, yet re-emerging in new contexts time after time. Throughout history, we see the caduceus in various forms—from ancient Greek depictions to its modern use in medical contexts. This emblem is not just a symbol; it's a vessel that carries collective hopes for resolution and well-being. The emotional resonance of the image lies in the universal desire for peace, tapping into a deep, subconscious longing for harmony and order. The motifs echo and evolve through time, continuously reassessed and reshaped by different cultures, reflecting the cyclical and often turbulent path of human history.