Het treffen van de vogel door Anna van Croy, hertogin van Aarschot 1651 - 1707

This is a silver medal titled ‘Het treffen van de vogel door Anna van Croy, hertogin van Aarschot,’ made by Denis Waterloos. The medal presents a study in contrasts. The obverse features a portrait of Anna van Croy, encircled by text, while the reverse shows symbolic objects framed by a wreath. The portrait is rendered with a focus on texture, from the intricate ruff to the detailed hair, creating a tactile visual experience. The composition invites semiotic interpretation. On the obverse, the formal portrait and inscription serve to monumentalize the Duchess, while on the reverse, the wreath evokes victory or achievement. The objects, including what appears to be a staff, challenge us to decode their specific meanings within the context of the medal's purpose. The medal challenges fixed meanings through the interplay of portraiture and symbolism. The medal invites ongoing interpretation by formally combining elements of personal commemoration with broader symbolic representation, and this functions as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.