Huwelijk van Filips de Schone, hertog van Bourgondie met Johanna, prinses van Castillie, rekenpenning van de muntmeesters van Vlaanderen 1496

This is a token made in Flanders to commemorate the wedding of Philip the Handsome of Burgundy to Joanna of Castile. The image and Latin inscription serve to broadcast the event to a wide audience, but also to remind us of the political and economic context of marriage in 15th century Europe. This coin speaks volumes about the social structures of its time. The union of Burgundy and Castile was more than just a love match; it was a strategic alliance, designed to consolidate power and expand territories. The imagery on the coin – the couple’s portraits and heraldic symbols – reinforces the dynastic ambitions behind the marriage. Coins like this were made not to be spent, but rather to be kept and admired. The very existence of this coin reflects the institutional power of the Flemish mint masters, who produced it to celebrate and validate a key political event. Art historians use documents, heraldry, and genealogical records to uncover the rich layers of meaning embedded in seemingly simple objects like this one. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better appreciate the public role of art in shaping perceptions of power and legitimacy.