Verdrag van Karlowitz tussen de keizer, Polen, Rusland, Venetië en Turkije 1699

This silver medal, made by Martin Schmeltzing, commemorates the Treaty of Karlowitz. Signed in 1699, it marked a turning point in the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and the Christian powers of Europe. The medal presents a fascinating binary, encapsulating the complex dynamics of power, religion, and identity in early modern Europe. On one side, we see idealized representations of a Christian and a Turk, standing together, yet divided by the symbols of their respective cultures. The Latin inscription "Inter Christianos et Turcas" translates to "Between Christians and Turks," highlighting the negotiation between these distinct groups. This echoes the historical and cultural context, influenced by continuous conflict and negotiation. But what does it mean to depict these figures side by side? Does it signal a new era of peace and mutual respect, or does it mask the underlying tensions and power imbalances? The emotional weight of this piece lies in this ambiguity, inviting us to reflect on the legacies of conflict, the possibilities of reconciliation, and the complexities of cultural exchange.