Veroveren van elf steden door de Fransen 1699 - 1703

Curator: The artwork before us is a silver relief sculpture crafted by Jean Mauger between 1699 and 1703, titled "Veroveren van elf steden door de Fransen"—or, in English, "The Conquest of Eleven Cities by the French." Editor: It's quite stark, isn't it? Almost aggressively...bright. Like staring into pure potential. Or maybe it’s just the silver, playing tricks. It's also smaller than I expected. Curator: Yes, its intimate scale contrasts the grand theme of conquest, which compels us to examine power dynamics embedded in objects like these. Commemorative medals such as this functioned as propaganda, solidifying the King’s image. This medal falls squarely within the Baroque style, typical for its era. Editor: Propaganda, huh? Well, if that's the aim, that profile portrait's certainly got presence. Reminds me of those Roman emperors—or at least, what I imagine them to be, riding high on confidence and privilege. Curator: Indeed, the portrait employs classical allusions, directly linking Louis XIV to powerful predecessors and thus legitimizing his rule through a constructed historical lineage. The flip side depicts his military prowess; his triumphant arrival pulled on a charriot by steeds, no less! Editor: Ah, look at those horses prancing! It’s like they’re putting on a show, just as much a part of the King's showmanship as anything else. Talk about theatricality! Though, on the whole it seems, cold... Curator: Such medals helped cement ideas of nationhood and authority—it’s difficult to separate them from the violence of empire. Medals such as these helped create social narratives for people to identify with. Editor: Thinking about all that weight, that history locked in a shiny little disc...it gives me chills. Still, you can’t help admiring the artistry, the pure craft of it all. Almost makes you forget the conquest it celebrates—almost. Curator: Perhaps then, reflecting on pieces like these calls for more critical consideration. Editor: Absolutely. This has reminded me to try seeing with clearer, less starry-eyed gaze!