Vrede van de Pyreneen, ter ere van kardinaal Mazarin 1660

This is a silver medal, designed by Jean Warin, commemorating the Peace of the Pyrenees. Though without a specified date, it likely hails from 1660. As you observe this piece, consider the weight of history and politics it carries. This medal honors Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of France, whose efforts led to the treaty ending the Franco-Spanish War. Mazarin, an Italian by birth, navigated the treacherous waters of French court and church politics, rising to immense power. The medal portrays his profile, a celebration of his political prowess. The other side depicts the Pyrenees mountains, literally mapping the treaty, while figuratively speaking to the barriers that often separate people. The act of memorializing political figures through medals was an established tradition, used to shape public perception and reinforce power structures. Note how the artistic representation of Mazarin, and the symbolic depiction of peace, contribute to his legacy. This medal is a fascinating lens through which we can examine the intersection of art, power, and identity in 17th-century Europe.