Karel XI, koning van Zweden 1665 - 1695

This medal of Karel XI, King of Sweden, was created by Johann Georg Breuer in the late 17th century. Its circular form, typical of commemorative medallions, serves to concentrate our gaze on two distinct yet related scenes. On one side, we see a bust of Karel XI, his visage framed by elaborate detailing and inscription, denoting power and status. The other side presents a figure kneeling in supplication beneath a radiant burst of light. Here the sword and lion are symbols which suggest surrender and divine acknowledgement. The piece functions as a semiotic device where the kneeling figure may represent vulnerability and piety, while the radiant light can be interpreted as divine grace. It suggests an interplay between earthly power and divine authority. The medal therefore opens up discussions about the nature of power, faith, and the symbolic languages through which these concepts are expressed.