Fortune Triumphant [reverse] 1731

Jean Dassier created this medal titled, "Fortune Triumphant," during the 18th century, a period marked by significant shifts in European power dynamics. The piece depicts the Roman goddess Fortuna standing triumphantly on a globe. Consider how Fortuna, often portrayed as a woman, embodies the unpredictable nature of fate. Historically, the concept of fortune was intrinsically linked to masculinity and power, yet it was visually represented through the female form. We might ask what cultural anxieties arise when masculine power depends on a female deity. Note the setting of the figure, which appears to be on a dock among ships. This contextualizes the figure within the world of trade, colonization, and naval dominance. Here, Dassier's medal reflects a society grappling with emerging colonial ambitions, where the promise of wealth and power was always balanced by the risk of loss. It’s a potent reminder of the human desire to control destiny amidst the chaos of history.