Verjaging van de Zweden uit Pruisen 1679

This is a silver medal, created by Johann Höhn. It commemorates the expulsion of the Swedes from Prussia. During this era, medals were commonly used to immortalize historical events and celebrate political achievements. They provide a window into the past, reflecting the complex interplay of power, national identity, and artistic expression. On one side, an eagle symbolizing Prussia stands atop a pile of defeated animals, including a lion, representing Sweden. The rising sun symbolizes a dawning new era. The reverse depicts a similar scene, but with the Swedish lion in full flight, defeated. The medal not only commemorates a military victory, but also highlights the symbolic importance of animals as national emblems. This bestows the struggle for power with layers of meaning related to identity, strength, and dominance. The medal invites us to reflect on the ways in which nations construct their identities through historical narratives. How do we remember and represent past conflicts?