Vrede van Rijswijk, penning uitgedeeld aan ieder die in de loterij van Muiden geen prijs heeft gewonnen 1697

This medal, designed by Jan Luder around 1697, is a fascinating object that uses the form of a coin to convey complex symbolic meaning. The circular shape encloses two distinct scenes, each meticulously detailed. One side features a standing figure presenting an object to a seated figure; the composition is formal and hierarchical. The reverse shows what appears to be an altar with figures around it, all rendered in bas-relief. The lettering encircling these images serves not only as a border, but also provides a semiotic key to interpreting the visuals. The medal’s materiality—its metallic composition and size—also contributes to its significance. It was distributed to those who did not win the lottery, which suggests an interplay between value, chance, and symbolic representation. This medal is not merely a token, but a complex interplay of form and content, reflecting the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of its time.