Franche Comte in tien dagen veroverd, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1668

This is a medal, made anonymously to celebrate Louis XIV’s rapid conquest of Franche-Comté. Its imagery speaks volumes about the political climate of 17th-century Europe and the careful crafting of royal reputations. On one side, we see a portrait of Louis XIV, his name inscribed, projecting an image of power and authority. Flip to the other side, and a lion—symbolizing Franche-Comté—is being crowned by Victory. The inscription below boldly states the province was conquered in just ten days! This medal isn't just a commemoration; it's propaganda, designed to broadcast Louis XIV’s military prowess and legitimize his territorial claims. Medals like these were distributed to spread the King’s fame and influence. They remind us that art, even in miniature form, played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and reinforcing the power structures of the time. To understand it fully, we might delve into military history, court records, and the visual culture of the era. It is an object lessons on how art and power intersect.