Standbeeld, door Jacques Jonghelinck vervaardigd, voor de hertog van Alva opgericht in de citadel van Antwerpen Possibly 1694 - 1725

This silver medal, made by Nicolas Chevalier around the 1700s, depicts a statue of the Duke of Alva. The statue itself was erected in the citadel of Antwerp to celebrate Alva's brutal suppression of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. Look closely, and you’ll see Alva standing triumphantly over kneeling figures, likely representing the defeated rebels. The inscriptions in Latin serve to glorify Alva’s actions and legitimize Spanish authority. This medal therefore acted as a potent form of political propaganda, designed to shape public opinion and reinforce the power of the Spanish monarchy. To fully understand this medal, we need to delve into the complex history of the Dutch revolt, the role of the Spanish monarchy, and the ways in which art was used to promote political agendas. By consulting historical documents, letters, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its significance.