Vergaan van de Spaanse armada 1588

This silver medal, “Vergaan van de Spaanse armada”, was made anonymously in 1588. It commemorates the defeat of the Spanish Armada, a pivotal moment in European history. On one side, ships clash amidst turbulent waves, symbolizing the naval battle. The inscription "CLASSES. DISIECTA. ET. DVFLATA. 1588," translates to "The fleets scattered and sunk," underscoring the scale of the Spanish defeat. On the other side, the crowned arms of Zeeland rise from the sea. Consider this medal as more than just a historical marker; it embodies the collective sigh of relief and the surge of national pride felt by the Dutch. The medal served as a tangible expression of identity and resistance in a time of conflict. It offers insight into how societies remember, celebrate, and mythologize their victories, shaping national narratives for generations.