Veldtochten van Johan Georg III, keurvorst van Saksen aan Rijn en Donau 1688
metal, relief
portrait
baroque
metal
relief
history-painting
Dimensions: diameter 5 cm, weight 44.27 gr
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This silver medal, commemorating the military campaigns of Johan Georg III, Elector of Saxony, was crafted by Philipp Heinrich Müller. The coin’s circular form is bisected by two distinct sides, each employing relief to convey depth. One side presents a profile of Johan Georg III, encircled by text. Note how the formal arrangement of the inscription frames his portrait, lending a structured elegance. The opposite side features a complex allegorical scene. Here, two crossed scepters dominate, backed by a radiant sun, symbolizing power and divine favor. Below, a turbulent scene of battle unfolds, with figures rendered in dynamic poses that evoke conflict and triumph. The medal's contrasting elements—the controlled portrait versus the chaotic battle—illustrate a broader discourse on power, order, and the glorification of military achievements. It’s a study in how formal choices encode and communicate ideological narratives, inviting ongoing interpretation.
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