Robert van Melun, markies van Roubaix, burggraaf van Gent, gesneuveld tijdens het beleg van Antwerpen 1585

This small, silver medal commemorates Robert van Melun, a nobleman who died during the siege of Antwerp. Though the artist is anonymous, the piece encapsulates the tumultuous period of the Dutch Revolt in the late 16th century. One side displays van Melun’s coat of arms, a symbol of his aristocratic lineage and power. The other shows a hand emerging from turbulent waters, grasping a serpent. This striking image, accompanied by the Latin inscription, evokes themes of struggle, resilience, and the idea of overcoming adversity. Antwerp, a major port city, was under siege during a conflict which was deeply interwoven with issues of religious freedom, political autonomy, and economic control. This medal is not just a memento of a man's death, but also a reflection on the broader societal and political upheavals of the time. It reminds us of the human cost of conflict, and serves as a potent symbol of resistance in the face of overwhelming odds.