Karel II, koning van Spanje, bindt de strijd aan met de Fransen 1673

This bronze medal was made in 1673 by an anonymous artist. It depicts Karel II, King of Spain, facing the French. The medal symbolizes a pivotal moment in European power dynamics. In 1672, France invaded the Dutch Republic, initiating the Franco-Dutch War. The Dutch found allies in Brandenburg, the Holy Roman Emperor, and Spain. The imagery reflects the alliances that shifted during the conflict. The profile of Karel II, inscribed with his titles, represents Spanish power. The reverse features a lion, the symbol of the Netherlands, brandishing a sword, and the motto "Ex ungue leonem" which translates to "You shall know the lion by his claw." The imagery and Latin inscription allude to the intellectual culture of the time, when Latin was the language of diplomacy. Understanding the art of this period requires examining pamphlets, diplomatic correspondence, and military reports. Through these documents, we can understand how art shaped, and was shaped by, political events.