Verlangen naar vrede in de zuidelijke Nederlanden, rekenpenning ter ere van Filips IV, koning van Spanje 1651

This bronze medal was made in 1651 by an anonymous artist, celebrating the desire for peace in the Southern Netherlands during the reign of Philip IV. The material here is key; bronze, a relatively inexpensive alloy, allowed for the mass production of these commemorative objects. The medal's imagery also speaks to the socio-political context of its creation. On one side, we see Philip IV on horseback, a traditional symbol of power and authority. The other side depicts clasped hands holding stalks of wheat, a symbol of prosperity and unity. These are powerful images, but the choice of bronze as a medium suggests a desire to reach a broad audience, rather than an exclusive elite. The process of striking the medal, using dies to impress the design onto the metal, reflects a certain level of industrialization. The crispness of the lines and the uniformity of the design suggest a well-organized workshop, with skilled laborers producing these objects in quantity. This medal is a testament to the power of materials and making to communicate complex ideas about peace, prosperity, and political power.