Gematigde opstelling van Spanje in de onderhandelingen te 's-Gravenhage, rekenpenning ter ere van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk 1608

This is a coin, made in 1608 in the Netherlands, commemorating a moment of diplomacy during a long period of conflict. On one side, we see the conjoined profiles of Archduke Albert and Isabella of Austria. The other side depicts an anchor entwined with a snake. This medal refers to negotiations held in The Hague during the Eighty Years’ War, the conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. The anchor represents hope, while the snake biting itself is an ancient symbol of moderation, taken here as a visual code for Spain's "moderate stance" in these negotiations. Of course, such images always serve a purpose. Coins like this were instruments of propaganda, designed to shape public opinion and burnish the reputation of those in power. Understanding the context of the Eighty Years’ War, and the symbols used at the time, helps us to decode the message that this coin was intended to convey. Investigating sources from the period, such as pamphlets, letters, and diplomatic records, helps us to understand the complex relationship between art, power, and politics.