Intocht van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk te Brussel, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de stad Brussel 1599

This coin was commissioned by the city of Brussels to commemorate the joyous entry of Albrecht and Isabella of Austria. The coin presents the chariot as a symbol of triumph, echoing classical Roman processions. We see this motif throughout history, like in ancient frescoes and Renaissance paintings. The figure of the queen is reminiscent of classical depictions of female rulers as embodiments of virtue and grace. The iconography draws on collective memories of imperial power, and the symbols of authority are rendered to engage viewers on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of admiration. The figure of the woman with the spear is a classic Roman symbol of Justice. Consider the recurring theme of Justice as a woman in art history: sometimes she's blindfolded, other times holding a scale and sword. It is a symbol that has passed through time taking on the burden of the collective consciousness. This cultural memory creates a non-linear progression, surfacing and evolving throughout different historical contexts.