Frankrijk verwerft Kamerijk bij de vrede van Nijmegen, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de Staten van Kamerijk, ter ere van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1678

This is a medal, made by Thomas Bernard around the 17th century, which commemorates France's acquisition of Kamerijk at the Peace of Nijmegen. At this time, Louis XIV, King of France, aimed to expand French territory. The Peace of Nijmegen in 1678 was a turning point in solidifying France's power and influence in Europe. This medal was commissioned by the States of Kamerijk to honor Louis XIV, which really highlights the power dynamics at play. It speaks to the complexities of identity, allegiance, and the experience of communities caught in the crosscurrents of political change. The medal serves as a potent symbol of France's dominant role in European politics and the shifting allegiances of cities and regions during this transformative period. It also reflects how power is communicated and the stories that nations tell about themselves through the visual arts. It's both an emblem of French power and a reflection of Kamerijk's shifting identity.