Overwinningen van de Spanjaarden op Ernst van Mansfeld, penning ter ere van Filips IV van Spanje 1622

Curator: The “Overwinningen van de Spanjaarden op Ernst van Mansfeld,” a bronze medal made around 1622, commemorating Philip IV of Spain. It is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you initially about this piece? Editor: Well, aside from the clear propagandistic intent, I’m immediately drawn to its scale. As a small, easily reproducible object, it speaks volumes about dissemination of power, I imagine these would be quickly circulated. Curator: Precisely. Medals like these were designed for wide distribution. I’m curious about the material; the choice of bronze seems significant, connecting to ancient traditions of honoring leaders and victories. It would have been cast from a mold. Considering this reproducible technology would allow to create this at a massive scale Editor: Indeed. We should consider, then, who had access to this sort of object, and to the message it conveyed? Was it primarily distributed amongst the Spanish elite, reinforcing their own power structure? And what about the subjugated populations under Spanish rule—how did they interpret it? The very idea of celebrating a victory carries deeply oppressive context here. Curator: Absolutely, this piece wasn't designed for everyone's consumption or interpretation. I also wonder about the artistic labour behind its creation. Someone designed the iconography, sculpted the original model, and oversaw the casting. These artists are unfortunately anonymous now. I find myself drawn to the production methods, the molds, the material sourcing… Editor: The details within each image also carry weight. Take for example Philip's image. Consider how portraiture in itself often functions to legitimize power, and the symbolism on the medal's reverse - the cross, swords, and crown - each contributing to a carefully constructed narrative of Spanish might and divine right. Curator: That’s a perfect summarization! By paying close attention to how these were manufactured and distributed we could better comprehend the power that Spain yielded over all of Europe! Editor: True. Reflecting on this medal invites us to unravel the threads of power, conflict, and representation woven into early modern Europe. It is the propaganda machine personified in the round.