Vrede van Munster, ter ere van keizer Ferdinand III 1649

This silver medal, made by Sebastian Dadler, commemorates the Peace of Munster. The medal’s imagery is realized by die-striking, an established process in minting and metalwork that employs dies to compress metal, yielding a repeatable design. Here, the choice of material is significant. The preciousness of silver elevates the status of the represented subject, while its inherent malleability allows for the crisp impression of intricate details, from the lettering to the regal figures. The medal's design features Ferdinand III on horseback, and allegorical figures celebrating peace. These motifs aren't just artistic choices, but statements of power and celebration, crafted through skilled labor and precise tooling. The artistry lies not only in the design but also in the execution, where the properties of the metal are expertly manipulated to convey meaning. The act of making itself becomes integral to the artwork’s narrative, underscoring the importance of craft in communicating complex social and political messages.