Slag bij Oudenaarde 1708

This medal, made by Martin Brunner, presents two scenes separated on each face of a circular canvas. The medium itself, the hard, metallic surface of the medal, suggests a desire for permanence, an intention to freeze a moment in time. On one side, we see an allegorical scene with an angel, and on the other, classical figures in procession. Consider how the artist uses line and form to create a sense of depth despite the restrictions of relief sculpture. The raised figures and inscriptions emerge from the surface, inviting a tactile interaction. The arrangement of figures isn't random; it's a calculated composition that directs the viewer's eye, using techniques that are reminiscent of classical friezes, yet adapted to a smaller, more intimate scale. The medal functions not only as a commemorative object but also as a cultural artifact that reflects the artistic and philosophical currents of its time. It embodies power, memory, and representation in a distinct form.