Ferdinand van Toledo, hertog van Alva 1571

This silver medal depicting Ferdinand van Toledo, Duke of Alva, was created by Jacques Jonghelinck. Alva served as Governor of the Netherlands during a period of intense conflict between the Spanish Crown and the Dutch population. He was appointed by Phillip II, the King of Spain, to suppress the Protestant uprising. The medal shows the Duke in profile, encircled by Latin text which names him Governor. On the reverse we see a pillar, a symbol of strength, flanked by two storks with an inscription celebrating the law. These images are complex: what does it mean to celebrate the law in a period of political and religious violence? Alva’s policies were extremely repressive, leading to the execution of thousands of people. His actions were seen by many as an attempt to impose Spanish authority and suppress Dutch culture and autonomy. This medal encapsulates the complexities of power, justice, and memory during a tumultuous period in European history, and highlights how deeply personal experiences are shaped by the political forces of the time.