Overwinning op de Turken in de slag bij Lepanto 1571

Giovanni V. Melon made this lead medal, celebrating the Victory over the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto, sometime between 1565 and 1590. This was a period of heightened tension between the Ottoman Empire and European powers, with naval battles determining geopolitical dominance. Looking at the medal, we see on one side a portrait of Don John of Austria, the commander of the Christian fleet. On the other side, a statue stands atop a column, framed by maritime imagery. The inscriptions around the edges declare the victory and celebrate the Christian alliance. Medals like these were often commissioned by rulers or institutions to commemorate important events and disseminate propaganda. They served as portable symbols of power and cultural identity. They were collected and traded, helping to shape public opinion and reinforce specific narratives. Understanding the full story of this medal requires that we look at the broader context of the 16th century. Contemporary chronicles, diplomatic correspondence, and naval records can help us uncover the political, religious, and economic factors that led to the Battle of Lepanto. Through such investigation, this small object tells us a much larger story.