Inname van Breisach door Bernhard van Saksen-Weimar 1638

This silver medal depicting the Capture of Breisach by Bernhard of Saxen-Weimar was made by Johann Blum, likely around 1638. It commemorates a key moment in the Thirty Years' War, a conflict that was as much about religion and dynastic power as it was about trade and resources. The medal presents Bernhard as a triumphant military leader, with an idealized portrait on one side and a detailed depiction of the siege of Breisach on the other. The inscriptions, in Latin and German, underscore the significance of this victory for the Protestant cause. The capture of Breisach was not just a military achievement; it was a symbolic victory that shifted the balance of power in the region. As historians, understanding this medal involves delving into the complex web of political alliances, religious conflicts, and economic rivalries that defined 17th-century Europe. By consulting archival sources, contemporary accounts, and scholarly analyses, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the medal's historical context and its role in shaping collective memory.