Inname van Grave, ter ere van prins Maurits 1602

This silver medal, made by Gerard van Bylaer, commemorates Prince Maurits' capture of Grave. These kinds of medals weren’t just simple mementos; they actively shaped public memory and celebrated political achievements. Look at how the imagery creates meaning. On one side, we see a portrait of Prince Maurits, a visual endorsement of his leadership. The reverse shows a tree stump sprouting new growth, surrounded by a wreath, symbolizing renewal and victory. Given the context of the Eighty Years' War between the Dutch and the Spanish, this imagery served as propaganda, reinforcing Dutch identity and bolstering morale. The creation and distribution of these medals involved a network of patrons, artists, and institutions, all playing a role in shaping public perception of the war and Dutch identity. To fully understand the meaning of this medal, we need to consider historical records, letters, and political pamphlets that shed light on the cultural and political climate of the time.