Nederlaag van Lodewijk XIV in de zeeslag bij Kaap La Hogue 1692

This is a silver medal commemorating the defeat of Louis XIV in the Battle of La Hogue. Though unsigned, it was likely made in the Netherlands soon after the naval battle in 1692. This medal speaks volumes about the politics of imagery. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power and a staunch opponent of Louis XIV's expansionist policies. The medal depicts Louis XIV as being defeated, and this would have served as propaganda to rally support for the Dutch cause and to undermine the French king's authority. We see the image of Louis XIV on one side and a symbolic representation of his defeat at sea on the other. The inscriptions are in Latin, which was the language of diplomacy and international communication at the time. To understand this object better, we need to delve into the history of the Dutch Republic, the reign of Louis XIV, and the Anglo-Dutch alliance. Contemporary pamphlets, news accounts, and diplomatic correspondence would all provide insights into the medal's meaning and purpose.