Overwinning van don Juan in de slag bij Gembloers, rekenpenning van de raad van Financien 1578

This is an anonymous medal commemorating Don Juan's victory at the Battle of Gembloux. It was made as a token for the Council of Finances. The symbols and visual language on this medal speak volumes. We see the crowned shield of Don Juan. The shield has served for centuries as a marker of identity and allegiance. Echoes of ancient Roman emblems and medieval heraldry remind us that history is a palimpsest, with layers of meaning accumulating over time. Consider, for instance, the crown; it represents not just earthly power but also a connection to divine right, a concept that dates back to ancient civilizations. Similarly, the act of commemorating military victories on coins and medals stretches back to the Roman Empire. These motifs are not static; they evolve, reflecting the shifting sands of history. The emotional resonance of the medal lies in its ability to tap into deep-seated notions of power, victory, and collective identity, engaging us on a subconscious level. Symbols like these resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet retain the power to evoke strong emotions and shape collective memory.