Rijssel door de bondgenoten ingenomen 1708

This medal, made by Martin Brunner, captures the taking of Rijssel by the Allies. The monochromatic silver flattens the forms and emphasizes the dense textures of the figures, imbuing the scene with a solemnity that transcends mere commemoration. Look at the composition, divided into clear halves. On one side, the allied forces stand regally. Their postures, though static, convey strength. Opposite them, a seated woman, possibly representing Rijssel, gestures in submission. The circular format compresses the scene, creating a sense of immediacy and tension. The medal is more than a historical record. It's a study in power dynamics, rendered through stark lines and contrasting textures. The inscription, acting as a frame, further confines the imagery, turning the medal into a concentrated expression of victory and surrender. Notice how the light reflects off the silver, animating the surface and drawing our eye to the details of this moment frozen in time.