Watergeuzen 1566

This silver 'Watergeuzen' medal was created by Jacques Jonghelinck in the 16th century. The medal is struck in silver, and its small size concentrates its detailed imagery into a portable, potent form. The medal’s composition is divided into two distinct sides. One side presents a profile portrait surrounded by an inscription, meticulously detailed to convey authority and identity. On the reverse, we observe a symbolic representation – a visual code that invites interpretation beyond the literal. The choice of silver as a medium is deliberate; its sheen enhances the intricate designs, emphasizing the medal's value as both a piece of art and a political statement. The medal functions as a sign, laden with historical and cultural meaning. It challenges fixed meanings by presenting symbolism and visual cues that demand deciphering. The medal's form and materials converge to create an object that transcends mere decoration, becoming a powerful tool for communicating identity, loyalty, and resistance.