Kroning van Jozef, aartshertog van Oostenrijk tot Rooms koning 1690

This is Philipp Heinrich Müller's medal commemorating the Crowning of Joseph, Archduke of Austria, as Roman King. Its circular shape, material and texture, typical of a coin, lend it an aesthetic that suggests significance and permanence. On one side, the artist has portrayed a bust of Joseph, framed by a tight inscription near the edge, where light and shadow interact to highlight its texture. On the other side, the linear arrangement of figures celebrating Joseph’s coronation, a scene of power and transfer of authority. Müller uses a classical structure to frame a contemporary political event, invoking ancient Roman traditions of power and succession. In this regard, the medal functions as both a historical document and a piece of political propaganda. Ultimately, the medal’s design reflects not just an event but also the enduring human quest to legitimize power through symbolism and artistic representation. It offers a window into how historical moments are framed and interpreted for posterity.