Twintigjarige bestand van Regensburg tussen Frankrijk, de Keizer, Spanje en de Nederlanden 1684

This silver medal commemorates the peace treaty of Regensburg, made between France, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain and the Netherlands. It was created by Jan Smeltzing. The process of minting, which involves the striking or stamping of metal, was not just a mechanical means of production. It was deeply interwoven with political messaging. The material itself, silver, was highly symbolic, associated with wealth and power. Its inherent qualities of luster and malleability made it an ideal medium for replicating intricate designs and text. This medal is a small object, but it speaks volumes about the labor, resources, and artistic skill required to produce such an artifact. The imagery depicted is related to the political context in which it was made. It shows that seemingly simple objects can carry profound cultural, social, and historical significance. Understanding the materials, processes, and context is essential to grasp the full meaning of this artwork.