Jan van Leiden, aanvoerder der wederdopers en de overgave van Munster 1535

This silver medal, created by an anonymous artist in 1535, depicts Jan van Leiden, the leader of the Anabaptist movement in Munster. The obverse features a profile portrait of van Leiden, while the reverse is inscribed with a detailed account of the Anabaptists’ capture of Munster in 1534. This small, but meticulously crafted, medal serves as a significant historical artifact, offering a tangible connection to the turbulent events of the 16th century. The medal provides a glimpse into the iconography and propaganda used to commemorate and condemn significant figures and events. It is housed in the Rijksmuseum, a renowned institution that preserves Dutch history and art.