Moord op Willem I, prins van Oranje-Nassau, door Balthasar Gerard te Delft 1584

This bronze medal by Gerard van Bylaer captures a pivotal moment: the assassination of Willem I in 1584. On one side, we see the murder, stark and immediate, while the reverse shows a figure spearing several sheep. The sheep here are not mere animals. They are symbols, deeply rooted in Christian iconography, representing the faithful, the innocent, and those who follow. But here, they are not being shepherded; they are being attacked. The spearing of sheep evokes the shepherd's duty to protect his flock and links to the betrayal of trust. This gesture, loaded with symbolic weight, brings to mind images of sacrifice and martyrdom found throughout art history. Consider the emotional impact of this piece. The murder of a leader, the betrayal of trust, and the loss of innocence – all powerful forces engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The imagery of a single man confronting and destroying the defenseless is a recurring theme, evolving over time and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, and resurfacing in various forms throughout history.