Karel VI gekozen tot Duits keizer 1711

This silver coin was made by Johann Jeremias Freytag to commemorate Karl VI's election as Holy Roman Emperor. Coins like these were more than just currency; they were powerful tools for shaping public perception. Notice the eagle, a symbol of imperial authority, presiding over a cityscape. The Latin inscription reinforces the divine right of rulers, a concept central to the legitimacy of European monarchies at this time. This coin comes from a period marked by dynastic rivalries and religious conflicts. Karl VI's reign was preoccupied with maintaining the power of the Habsburg dynasty and securing agreement to the Pragmatic Sanction, which allowed his daughter Maria Theresa to succeed him. Historical records, such as diplomatic correspondence and political pamphlets, can shed light on how this imagery was intended to influence public opinion. By studying these sources, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in 18th-century Europe.