Aanvaarding van de Spaanse troon door Filips van Anjou onder Franse voogdij 1700

This silver medal in the Rijksmuseum commemorates a pivotal moment in European history: Philip of Anjou's acceptance of the Spanish throne. Consider the weight of this small object. It represents a seismic shift in power dynamics, with Louis XIV of France orchestrating his grandson's ascent to the Spanish throne, thus consolidating Bourbon influence. The medal is anonymous, and this anonymity reflects the way individual identities can be subsumed into the grand narratives of royal succession and political maneuvering. Look closely at the image of Philip kneeling. What does it mean to willingly submit to another's authority? This medal serves as a potent reminder of how individual agency can be both asserted and surrendered in the pursuit of power. It reflects the tensions between personal ambition and dynastic duty. As you reflect on the historical narratives, consider the human cost of such power plays. The medal invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between personal desires and political realities.