Besancon opnieuw door de Fransen ingenomen, rekenpenning geslagen op last van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1674

This is a bronze medal, crafted anonymously under the order of Louis XIV, King of France, commemorating the recapture of Besançon. The medal reflects the intricate dance of power, identity, and territorial ambition that defined 17th-century Europe. On one side, we see the triumphant image of Louis XIV, embodying the divine right of kings. On the other side, is the depiction of the conquered city of Besançon. It captures a moment of French ascendancy and its claims to dominance. But let's consider the emotional and experiential aspects of this symbolic object. What did it mean for the people of Besançon to see their city depicted as subjugated? What did it mean for the French to carry this assertion of dominance? The medal exists as a silent witness to shifting borders and cultural identities. It is a reminder that history is etched not only in grand narratives but also in the personal stories of those whose lives are shaped by power.