Vrede van Teschen, ter ere van Maria Theresia 1779

Theodorus Victor van Berckel created this medal, "Peace of Teschen, in honor of Maria Theresa," around the late 1770s. Its imagery and inscription offer a window into the political symbolism of the period, particularly the veneration of powerful rulers. On one side, we see a profile of Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress. The other side depicts a figure of peace, flanked by lions, with the inscription "PAX UNIVERSALIS," universal peace. This medal commemorates the end of the War of the Bavarian Succession in 1779, with Maria Theresa as a central figure in securing that peace. The production of such medals was often commissioned by the state or ruling elite as a form of propaganda. They aimed to shape public perception of political events and reinforce the authority of the ruler. By studying such objects, we can gain a better understanding of the ways in which power was negotiated and legitimized in the late 18th century. Historical archives and numismatic collections are important resources to consult to shed more light on the meaning and context of this medal.