Overwinning van de Fransen in de slag bij Neerwinden of Landen 1693

This is a medal made by Jan Smeltzing in the Dutch Republic, celebrating the French victory at the Battle of Neerwinden, also known as Landen. Medals like this were a popular way to publicly commemorate events, especially political and military ones. On one side, we see the profile of a king, likely Louis XIV of France. On the other, a hand beats a drum amidst chaos, visually representing the victory. The medal's creation in the Dutch Republic, despite celebrating a French victory, speaks to the complex political landscape of the time. It reflects a culture deeply engaged with political events, and the institutional support for art that commented on these events. Was this commission by a supporter of France, or an ironic commentary? Understanding this medal requires us to consider the political alliances, economic interests, and cultural values of the Dutch Republic. It is through close attention to these historical details that we can fully appreciate the medal's significance as a cultural artifact.