Penning met portret van Filips IV, koning van Spanje 1633

This is an anonymous engraving depicting Philip IV, King of Spain. Though undated, its style situates it within the artistic conventions of the 17th century, a period marked by both religious conflict and colonial expansion. On one side, we see Philip in profile, encircled by text proclaiming his titles, including King of the Indies. The other side presents a coat of arms supported by lions, symbols of power and dominion. Consider how this imagery operates within a context of global power struggles. The king's gaze and the imposing heraldry reinforce a narrative of authority, even as they obscure the violence and exploitation that underpinned Spanish imperial power. This medal not only commemorates a ruler but encapsulates the complex intersections of identity, power, and representation in an age of empire. It compels us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are erased in the construction of historical narratives.