Overwinning van Willem III op Jacobus II aan de Boyne 1690

This medal, crafted by Jan Luder, commemorates William III's victory over James II at the Battle of the Boyne. The imagery presents potent symbols of triumph and liberation. Note William III on horseback, a classical motif of power and authority, directly recalling images of Roman emperors. The horse, a recurring symbol throughout art history, signifies nobility, control, and martial prowess. Equestrian statues, from Marcus Aurelius to countless Renaissance leaders, have long served to project an image of invincible command. But observe, too, the subtle vulnerability implied: the rider's dependence on the beast. This dynamic is echoed in the battle scene below, where chaos and defeat are juxtaposed with William's composed figure. This contrast amplifies the emotional impact, engaging viewers with themes of victory and deliverance that resonate deeply within the collective psyche. The motifs of the horse and rider carry echoes of ancient mythologies, evolving through time yet retaining their core association with power, dominance, and the eternal dance between order and chaos.