Overwinning op de Nederlandse vloot onder admiraal de Pater, rekenpenning ter ere van Filips IV, koning van Spanje 1631

This is a medal, approximately 3cm in diameter, made by Adriaan Waterloos to honor King Philip IV of Spain. It commemorates the victory over the Dutch fleet under Admiral de Pater. The medal serves as a fascinating lens through which to examine the entangled histories of the Netherlands and Spain. The imagery on the medal presents a particular narrative, a triumphant declaration of Spanish power over the Dutch. But consider the complexities of this historical moment. What does it mean to produce and circulate images that celebrate dominance? How might those on the defeated side interpret such displays? Look closely at the figure of King Philip IV. How does the artist portray him, and what message does this convey about his authority and identity? And how might the experience of seeing and holding this medal have impacted the sense of identity and belonging, both for those aligned with the Spanish crown and those resisting it? Medals like this one served as powerful tools for shaping public perception, constructing identities, and reinforcing political power. They remind us that even small objects can carry immense cultural and historical weight.