Waarschuwing tegen de vredesonderhandelingen te Keulen 1579

This silver coin was made by Gerard van Bylaer in the late 16th century to warn against peace negotiations in Cologne. It’s fascinating how such a small object can reveal so much about the politics of the time. The coin’s imagery creates meaning through potent visual codes. On one side, armed soldiers and horses evoke the ongoing conflict, while the other side displays decapitated heads, illustrating the consequences of failed negotiations. This coin was produced during the Eighty Years' War, when the Dutch Republic was fighting for independence from Spain. The warning reflects a deep distrust of Spanish intentions, and the fear that negotiations would lead to a disadvantageous peace. To understand this coin fully, we need to dive into the historical context, examining pamphlets, letters, and diplomatic records. Art like this reminds us that its meaning is always contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created and used.