Inname van Breda door Frederik Hendrik 1637

This silver medal, made by Johannes Looff, commemorates the Capture of Breda. The stark relief of the piece gives it a tactile quality, the cool sheen of the silver catching the light. The composition is divided into two distinct halves. The upper half depicts a floating figure and symbolic elements, while the lower half shows a scene with figures and the cityscape of Breda. This division creates a visual dialogue between the earthly and the divine, between the specific historical event and its broader significance. The use of allegorical figures suggests a concern with abstract concepts like victory and divine favor. The inscription that encircles these elements acts as a frame, drawing our eye back to the central image and reinforcing the medal's symbolic function. Consider how the artist’s choices in representing this historical event shape its meaning and reception. What does this say about the role of art in constructing collective memory?