Penning met een embleem en de namen van de keurvorsten van Keulen 1685 - 1720

This undated, anonymous medal lists the names of the prince-electors of Cologne. Embedded in the design are images of an altar and a burning tree. These symbols, along with the inscription ‘MALITBO INCENDITVR IGNE,’ suggest a narrative of destruction and purification. The medal embodies the complex interplay between religious authority and political power in the Holy Roman Empire, where the Archbishops of Cologne held significant sway in the selection of emperors. The list of electors, meticulously inscribed, marks the lineage of power. This item reflects the intense political maneuvering of the era, capturing the struggles for influence among powerful families and religious figures. The act of commemorating these figures through a medal suggests an effort to document and legitimize a particular version of history. It reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be dense with cultural meaning, reflecting the identities, ambitions, and historical consciousness of their creators and users.