Slag bij Blenheim, ter ere van de hertog van Marlborough

This is a medal commemorating the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, created by Georg Hautsch. The medal is made from silver. The medal celebrates the Duke of Marlborough, a key figure in the early 18th century. On one side, we see his portrait, embodying power and status through his elaborate wig and armor. This image isn't just about personal glory, it reflects the rigid social hierarchies of the time. On the other side, the battle scene unfolds, depicting a victorious narrative of war. But who is missing from this picture? The common soldier, the displaced, and the defeated are all absent. These commemorative objects were powerful tools, shaping public memory and reinforcing the narratives of those in power. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out, and how these omissions shape our understanding of history.