Allegorie op de afzwering door de Staten-Generaal van Filips II, koning van Spanje als landsheer der Nederlanden 1581

This bronze medal, made by Gerard van Bylaer, commemorates a pivotal moment. The medal’s circular form contains dense imagery and text, typical of the 16th century. The raised relief and the texture of the bronze invites tactile exploration. The medal's composition revolves around two distinct scenes, each occupying one side of the disc. On one side, a figure stands beside a lion, symbols of power and authority. The reverse shows a figure repelling another with a whip. The choice of bronze as a medium grounds the medal in a historical context, referencing ancient traditions of commemorative objects. The inscriptions, rendered in a classical typeface, frame the imagery, adding a layer of textual meaning that interacts with the visual elements. This medal doesn't merely depict an event, it actively participates in shaping its memory. The contrast between the figures and their actions creates a dynamic visual narrative. By examining these formal qualities we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and representation in the early modern period.