Inhuldiging van Francois-Hercule, hertog van Anjou als hertog van Brabant te Antwerpen 1582

This silver medal commemorates the 1582 inauguration of François-Hercule, Duke of Anjou, as the Duke of Brabant in Antwerp. Produced by an anonymous artist, the medal encapsulates the political tensions of the time. François-Hercule, brother of the French king, was invited to assume sovereignty over the Netherlands during their revolt against Spanish rule. The medal's imagery is rich with symbolism. On one side, a portrait of François-Hercule. The reverse shows a radiant sun rising above turbulent waters, circumscribed by the Latin motto "FOVET ET DISCUTIT," meaning "It cherishes and dispels." This speaks to the hope that François-Hercule would bring enlightenment and calm to the region. However, this optimism was short-lived, as his rule quickly became unpopular. The medal serves as a potent reminder of the complex interplay between power, identity, and the fleeting nature of political alliances. It invites us to reflect on the aspirations and disappointments experienced by those who sought a new future in a time of upheaval.