Ophalen van zilver uit een Spaans wrak bij Hispaniola, ter ere van Jacobus II en Maria, koning en koningin van Engeland, penning geschonken aan de deelnemers van de onderneming 1687

This medal, designed by George Bower, commemorates the retrieval of silver from a Spanish shipwreck near Hispaniola, honoring King James II and Queen Mary. The laurel wreath adorning James' brow signifies triumph and honour, echoing the wreaths of ancient Roman emperors. This symbol transcends time, reappearing in various forms throughout history, from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings. Its presence underscores the ambition to link the English monarchy with the grandeur and legitimacy of past empires. The wreck itself becomes a potent symbol of fortune and risk. Consider how collective memory and subconscious desires for wealth may have influenced the medal's design. The ship, laden with silver, speaks to deep-seated anxieties and aspirations linked to colonial power. The non-linear progression of symbols like the laurel wreath and the imagery of maritime wealth, highlights their cyclical resurfacing and evolution across different historical contexts.