Milaan op de Fransen veroverd 1524

This anonymous bronze medal commemorates Milan's liberation from French rule. Although small, it encapsulates a pivotal moment in European history, reflecting power struggles and shifting allegiances. One side depicts Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, seated triumphantly. The reverse features a coat of arms, symbolizing the city's reclaimed sovereignty. Produced to mark a political shift, this medal would have functioned as propaganda. Such objects underscore the entanglement of religious, civic, and national identities. While the medal celebrates freedom, it also prompts questions about whose freedom was being championed and at what cost. It serves as a reminder that historical narratives are always complex, shaped by those in power, and often leave out marginalized voices.