Wapenstilstand te land voor de duur van acht maanden gesloten tussen de Republiek en Spanje 1607

This silver medal was struck in 1607 by an anonymous artist to commemorate a temporary truce between the Dutch Republic and Spain. Note the striking contrast in imagery between the medal's two sides. One side shows a fortified town under siege, depicted through symbolic, almost pictographic forms. The other side presents three figures in classical garb, seemingly celebrating with musical instruments. This juxtaposition embodies the complex emotions surrounding peace—relief, hope, but also the lingering memory of conflict. The image of a besieged town is not unique to this medal. Similar motifs appear in other artworks throughout history, particularly in times of war. Think of the psychological impact of such imagery: the anxiety, fear, and collective trauma associated with siege warfare. Such motifs resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings as societies grapple with the cyclical nature of conflict and peace.