Hoop op vrede in de zuidelijke Nederlanden, rekenpenning van Leonard Van der Noot, negenenveertigste intendant van de vaart van Brussel Possibly 1678

This is a commemorative medal, created by an anonymous artist, for Leonard Van der Noot. The circular form of the medal is immediately apparent, which invites a reading of wholeness and unity, perhaps reflecting the hope for peace it symbolizes. Note how the incised imagery and text are arranged to conform to the shape, thereby reinforcing its symbolic value. On one side, a ship braves the waves beneath the Latin plea, 'Domine, salva nos'—Lord, save us—while heraldic shields hover above, all meticulously engraved. On the reverse, more Latin text is inscribed in a structured manner. The text is deeply embedded in the visual language of its time, indicative of the cultural codes and values prevalent during its creation. It presents a tightly structured composition, reflecting a desire for order and stability during times of conflict. The medal's circular shape encourages cyclical thinking about hope and peace, suggesting these themes are not endpoints but continuous processes. This piece serves not only as an artifact but also as a semiotic device, encoding complex social and political aspirations within its form.