Aanslag van de Zweden op Kopenhagen en vrede van Kopenhagen tussen Denemarken en Zweden, ter ere van Frederik III, koning van Denemarken 1660

This struck medal, commemorating the siege of Copenhagen, was made by an anonymous artist from silver. The artist was likely a skilled silversmith, knowledgeable of the techniques involved in medal production, including die-cutting and striking. The use of silver as a material speaks to the status of the commissioner, in this case, Frederik III, king of Denmark, who wished to be memorialized in a precious metal. The medal’s small scale speaks to its function as a commemorative object, perhaps circulated among the elite to celebrate the peace treaty between Denmark and Sweden. Consider the weight and feel of this object, the coolness of the metal, and the fine detail achieved by the artist. These qualities elevate the status of the object, transforming a base material into something of lasting cultural and political value. We shouldn't forget that medals like these were not only about artistic skill, but also about power and social standing.