Sluiting van het drievoudige verbond tussen Engeland, Frankrijk en de Republiek 1596

Curator: This is a bronze commemorative medal, titled "Sluiting van het drievoudige verbond tussen Engeland, Frankrijk en de Republiek," dating back to 1596. It's currently housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It feels…weighty, not just literally. There’s a formality to the figures, almost rigid, yet they’re set against this very dynamic burst of sunlight. The relief work seems quite intricate. Curator: Absolutely. Its very materiality as bronze speaks to power and permanence. The piece commemorates a crucial alliance. On one side, you see allegorical figures of England and France clasping hands under the radiant sun representing divine approval. Editor: And on the other side? I notice what looks like a boar. Curator: That's right. The reverse depicts a wild boar, symbolizing the threats they face. Its placement directly references the danger the alliance was designed to defend against – external aggression. The carving captures a very palpable tension. The details like the boar's bristles convey movement, its head turned to regard the viewer.. It really reflects the political anxieties of the time. Editor: I'm intrigued by the inscription circling both sides. What does it signify in relation to the figures' symbolic union? Curator: It emphasizes the agreement. Looking closely, you notice the Latin phrase, a kind of solemn affirmation, promising unified strength in facing adversaries. That’s directly linked to the depiction of the boar. It's not merely decorative; it serves as a moral reinforcement, linking prosperity to peace. It suggests shared resources—a complex dynamic shown through such seemingly simple objects. Editor: So, beyond the aesthetic choices—the circular shape echoing a coin or badge, perhaps indicating value—there’s a dense layering of political message deeply embedded within the labor and raw materials used. It invites one to explore a broader context. Curator: Precisely. Every stage in making the medal emphasizes deliberate production. It speaks volumes about art as propaganda and cultural document, reflecting the fraught circumstances. Thank you for bringing to life layers one wouldn't necessarily see straight away! Editor: Thanks. Reflecting on how its making and message intertwine makes it so unique. It highlights materiality as not just base, but imbued with intention, which goes to say its real strength comes in bringing art, craft, and social awareness to intersect and offer lasting insights.