Vrede van Rijswijk 1697

This medal, "Vrede van Rijswijk," was crafted by Jan Boskam around 1697. Composed of silver, its small circular form immediately suggests its function as a commemorative object, designed to be held and contemplated. On one side, the composition features a cluster of wheat stalks rising from a bowl, set against a landscape. The stalks, rendered with fine, deliberate lines, dominate the visual field, creating a sense of abundance and growth. This image of flourishing reflects prosperity, evoking feelings of optimism. The medal can be interpreted through structuralist principles as a symbolic representation of peace and its positive consequences. The wheat stalks represent nourishment and stability, while the landscape provides a backdrop of renewed possibilities. Boskam uses these symbols to convey the tangible benefits of the Peace of Rijswijk. The formal elegance of the engraving, with its balanced composition and meticulous detailing, underscores the medal's intended message: a harmonious future, carefully and deliberately constructed.