Inname van Casale door de hertog van Savoye 1695

This silver medal, crafted by Philipp Heinrich Müller, commemorates the capture of Casale by the Duke of Savoy. Observe the crowned lion, a symbol of strength and sovereignty, reclining beneath a celestial scene where figures release chains—an allegory of liberation. This motif echoes through history, from ancient depictions of Hercules freeing Prometheus to Renaissance portrayals of liberty vanquishing tyranny. The act of breaking chains appears repeatedly, embodying humanity’s perennial quest for freedom. Consider, too, the angel on the medal's reverse, bestowing a crown upon a kneeling figure, a scene reminiscent of coronation rituals throughout Europe. This gesture taps into a deep-seated psychological desire for order and divine approval. These symbols are not static; they evolve, reflecting changing cultural values and subconscious desires. The lion, once a straightforward emblem of power, gains layers of complexity through its varied appearances in art and heraldry. The medal presents a non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols resurfacing, evolving, and accruing new meanings throughout history.