Vrede van Rijswijk, ter ere van paus Innocentius XII 1698

This silver medal, crafted by Ferdinand de Saint Urbain, commemorates the Peace of Rijswijk in honor of Pope Innocent XII. The reverse side captures our attention, presenting the Pope as a divine figure, his head adorned with a halo, symbolizing sanctity. Notice his raised hand – a gesture of benediction. The act, reminiscent of ancient Roman orators, has been passed down through Christian iconography, seen in countless depictions of Christ and various saints. The other hand holds a cross, a symbol of sacrifice and faith. Below, we see figures in repose, suggesting a return to calm and order after conflict. These symbols carry a profound psychological weight. The halo around the Pope’s head, for example, invokes not just religious reverence but taps into our collective memory. The emotional power of these images lies in their ability to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, triggering emotions and memories linked to our cultural and spiritual heritage. This interplay of symbols demonstrates how visual motifs evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.