Maria Elisabeth, landvoogdes der zuidelijke Nederlanden, op haar moed Possibly 1732

Editor: This is a medal, possibly from 1732, by Philippe Roëttiers. It’s titled "Maria Elisabeth, landvoogdes der zuidelijke Nederlanden, op haar moed." Seeing it, I'm struck by the contrast between the poised portrait on one side and the rather dramatic, stormy scene on the other. What jumps out at you when you look at this, knowing it's about Maria Elisabeth's courage? Curator: Well, darling, it's all in the symbolism, isn't it? Forget your chocolate box idea of courage! This medal is pure Baroque theatre. We have the portrait, cool and collected, of Maria Elisabeth. Then flip it over, and bam! We have a tempestuous sea, a craggy rock being lashed by lightning. See the inscription 'Ipsa immota manet'? She remains unmoved! Roëttiers is basically saying, "Even when life throws a biblical hissy fit, Maria Elisabeth stands firm." It is an elegant piece of propaganda! Editor: Propaganda, really? So, the storm isn't just about real dangers she faced? Curator: My dear, very little is *just* anything in art. Of course, she might have faced real challenges, political storms, whatever. But the point isn't documentary truth. It's about crafting a powerful image, an *allegory* if you will. Imagine trying to be her - all that crazy hair! She needed to project unflappable authority. And I daresay, the engraver earned his crust with this piece of savvy political image-making. Editor: It's like a vintage meme. Curator: (Laughs) Precisely! 'Hold my periwig, I'm about to govern!' Editor: It does put the portrait in a new light, doesn't it? I was initially just focusing on the aesthetic. Curator: Aesthetics are but the sugar that sweetens the pill, sweetheart! Context gives that portrait it's…kick! This isn’t just a pretty face; it's a calculated statement of power. Now, aren't you glad we had this little chinwag? Editor: Definitely! I'll never look at a medal the same way again.