Overlijden van Filips II, koning van Spanje 1598

This is a silver medal, struck anonymously in 1598, commemorating the death of Philip II, King of Spain. On one side, a skeleton looms large, holding an hourglass and a scepter. Below, crossed tools evoke mortality and the grave, underscoring the end of earthly power. The skeleton, a personification of death, has roots stretching back to antiquity, yet gained prominence in the medieval period as a reminder of life's transience. Think of the danse macabre imagery—death leading all, regardless of status, in an inexorable dance. In earlier Roman triumphs, a slave would whisper ‘memento mori’ – remember you must die – into the ear of the conquering hero, a potent reminder of mortality amidst glory. Consider how this symbol has evolved. From ancient philosophical musings on mortality to becoming a potent symbol in times of plague and religious upheaval, it reminds us of our shared fate. The emotional weight of this image—the confrontation with our own mortality—is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, echoing across time.