Bourgondië opnieuw door de Fransen ingenomen 1699 - 1703

Jean Dollin created this bronze medal commemorating the French retaking of Burgundy in the late 17th or early 18th century. This medal reflects the complex interplay between political power, national identity, and artistic expression. The medal portrays King Louis XIV, his image carefully crafted to project authority. On the reverse side, the figure of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, embodies the shifting tides of power and the uncertainties of war. This melding of classical and contemporary imagery speaks to the aspirations and self-conceptions of the French monarchy, seeking to legitimize its rule through historical and mythological associations. This medal serves not only as a historical record of military achievement but also as a reflection of the cultural and political values of the time. It prompts us to consider how representations of power are constructed and how they shape our understanding of history and identity.