Vrede van Nijmegen 1679

This silver medal, titled Vrede van Nijmegen, was made by Roussel, though we don't have much information about them. Struck from weighty silver, this commemorative medal’s cool, smooth surface and intricate details speak to the skill required in its making. Note how the silver's malleability allowed for the crisp, refined details in the relief, from Louis XIV's wig to the angel presenting an orb to a seated figure, likely symbolizing peace and authority. Producing such medals required a combination of technical expertise and artistic skill, using tools to engrave the dies, from which multiple medals could be struck. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this object offers insight into the political and social context of its time, reflecting the power and prestige associated with the treaty it commemorates. By valuing the material, the making process, and the historical context, we can appreciate this medal not only as a work of art, but also as a tangible artifact embodying skill, labor, and cultural significance.