Voor- en achterzijde van een penning op de veroveringen van Hertog Karel van Normandië 1683 - 1733

This drawing by Bernard Picart shows both sides of a medal commemorating the conquests of Duke Charles of Normandy. This imagery offers us a glimpse into the political theater of 17th-century Europe. The medal uses powerful visual codes to construct an image of authority. On one side, we see Charles enthroned, flanked by angelic figures, a scene evoking divine right. The reverse depicts him on horseback, sword raised, embodying military might and territorial ambition. Normandy, with its complex history of shifting allegiances between France and England, was a key strategic territory. Medals like these served as propaganda, reinforcing the Duke's power and legitimacy. To understand this artwork fully, historians consult period documents, political tracts, and other visual representations of power. We consider how institutions like the court and the military shaped the Duke's image. By understanding the medal's social and institutional context, we can decode its message and appreciate its role in shaping political opinion.