Herovering van Namen door Willem III 1695

This silver medal by Reynier Arondeaux commemorates William III’s recapture of Namur. Notice the figure of William III himself, presented as a triumphant Roman emperor, a classical allusion to military victory and authority. Compare this to similar depictions of leaders throughout history—from Roman coins to Renaissance portraits—where rulers adopt the iconography of past empires to legitimize their power. The kneeling figure, offering a shield with the city's coat of arms, symbolizes the submission and gratitude of Namur. This gesture evokes a sense of supplication, a motif seen in ancient art where conquered peoples offer tribute to their conquerors. Consider how such symbols tap into our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with power, submission, and historical continuity, revealing the enduring psychological impact of visual language. This medal is not merely a record of an event; it is a carefully constructed narrative that seeks to shape perceptions and evoke emotions deeply rooted in our shared cultural consciousness.