Penning op de Overtocht van Karel II in 1660 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this medal, commemorating Charles II's voyage in 1660, from metal. The technique used here, striking or casting, was common for producing coins and medals at this time. Metal, chosen for its durability and ability to hold fine detail, is transformed through a process involving molds and intense pressure, which speaks to the power and authority associated with the imagery itself. Consider the amount of work involved in designing the artwork and die-cutting the medal. The medal's circular form and detailed imagery create a sense of completion and historical weight. The relief shows the city of Breda. The coats of arms and cherubs could be made via engraving. This engraving ensures its message could be circulated widely, reflecting early modern desires to record and disseminate information about important events. Ultimately, this medal underscores the historical period's intersection of artistry, manufacturing, and politics. It reminds us that objects are not just things but carriers of cultural memory.