Wapenstilstand te land voor de duur van acht maanden gesloten tussen de Republiek en Spanje, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk 1607

This anonymous medal commemorates the truce between the Dutch Republic and Spain in 1607, and presents us with an intriguing set of symbols. Here, the lion dominates—a figure of power, strength, and dominance, often associated with royalty. Yet, it is not standing, but reclining, seemingly resting its paw on a prone deer. This juxtaposition speaks volumes. We find the lion as a solar symbol in ancient Greece, and the deer connected to Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The intertwined symbolism is a potent combination of strength and grace, dominance and submission, peace and war. Consider how such symbols recur across time. This lion evokes images across eras and cultures—from ancient Mesopotamian reliefs to heraldic emblems of medieval Europe. Similarly, the deer, a symbol of gentleness, has been seen across time and cultures. These symbols are not static; they evolve. Here, the imagery conveys the complex interplay between opposing forces, a moment of respite where power acknowledges vulnerability. These images tap into our collective memory, a constant reminder of the cyclical nature of conflict and peace.