Ontzet van Turijn en bevrijding van Savoye 1706

This is Martin Schmeltzing's "Ontzet van Turijn en bevrijding van Savoye," a medal likely made of silver, notable for its intricate design pressed into a small circular format. The medal is divided into two sides, each presenting a distinct, yet thematically linked, scene. One side dramatically illustrates a figure emerging triumphantly from the ground, possibly representing the liberated city of Turin or the region of Savoye. The composition is dynamic, with the figure surrounded by radiating lines, evoking a sense of explosive emergence. The other side is more structured, showing what appear to be victorious soldiers or leaders amidst a landscape. The text inscribed around the edges is integral to the overall design, framing the visual elements and providing context. This medal functions not merely as a commemorative object but as a complex sign. Schmeltzing uses visual elements to encode a message of liberation and triumph. The choice of a medal, its circular form, and the use of relief all contribute to the artwork's semantics. The medal becomes a site where history, power, and artistic expression intersect, inviting ongoing interpretation.