Vlucht van Maximiliaan II Emanuel, keurvorst van Beieren en ontruiming van vijftien steden 1704

This silver medal was made in the 18th century by an artist known only as Monogrammist K. It commemorates the flight of Maximiliaan II Emanuel, the Elector of Bavaria, and the evacuation of fifteen cities. The medal presents a complex set of visual codes reflective of its time. On one side, we see a figure representing Bavaria, complete with a shield, fleeing amidst turmoil. The inscription underlines the historical event: the retreat from advancing forces. On the reverse, Justice stands centrally, holding scales and a sword, surrounded by symbols of the evacuated cities. The medal underscores the intricate relationship between art, politics, and social memory. Historical resources, like letters or other archival material, provide context of the event. The medal invites us to reflect on how historical events are translated into art and how these representations shape our understanding of the past.