Victory of Imperial Bavarian Troops over Turks at Mohacz (Hungary), 1687 1687

This bronze medal, made in 1687 by Philipp Heinrich Müller, commemorates the victory of Imperial Bavarian troops over the Ottoman Turks at Mohács, Hungary. The medal encapsulates the power dynamics and cultural biases prevalent in 17th-century Europe. Note the triumphant depiction of the Bavarian leader on horseback, contrasted with the Turkish figures being trampled beneath. This imagery reinforces a narrative of European dominance over the ‘Ottoman other,’ a dynamic deeply embedded in the historical context of the Austro-Turkish wars. The representation of the defeated Turks speaks to the orientalist perceptions of the time, reducing them to a symbol of subjugation. The medal not only celebrates a military victory but also serves as a potent symbol of cultural and religious supremacy. In its creation and reception, it is evident that these types of artworks perpetuated stereotypes, contributing to a legacy of prejudice.