Franche Comte in tien dagen veroverd, rekenpenning geslagen ter ere van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1668

This is a medal, made anonymously, to celebrate Louis XIV’s conquest of Franche-Comté. It’s a small object, but it speaks volumes about power, identity, and representation in the 17th century. On one side, we see a profile of Louis XIV, the Sun King, with the inscription "Ludovicus XIIII Rex Christianiss." This image isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed symbol of royal authority and divine right. Turn it over and you'll see the lion representing Franche-Comté cowering under an oak tree, a symbol of Louis XIV. The inscription reads, "Franche Comte in tien dagen veroverd," meaning "Franche-Comté conquered in ten days." What does it mean to commemorate a military victory on a coin? This medal reflects the identities of both the conqueror and the conquered. It invites us to consider how power is asserted and how resistance is suppressed. It is a reflection on the emotional weight of these historical dynamics and prompts us to reflect on our own relationship to power.