Maria II Stuart 1689

This is a silver medal of Maria II Stuart, created by Jan Smeltzing, who lived through the second half of the 17th century, a period marked by significant political and religious upheaval in Europe. The medal encapsulates the complex dynamics of female power in a patriarchal society. On one side, we see a profile of Mary, her hairstyle alluding to classical sculptures of goddesses and empresses. This would suggest a portrayal of power in alignment with traditional gender roles and expectations. But this piece also alludes to the Protestant Reformation, a pivotal movement that challenged the established authority of the Catholic Church, thereby shaping new religious and political identities. Look at how Smeltzing's medal is not merely a commemorative object; it's an intersectional statement reflecting the religious tensions of its time. It is a potent reminder of how identity, politics, and artistic expression are irrevocably linked.