European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, Stadtholder, 1625-1647. Medal (Silver, 58mm, 51.57 g 12), on the capture of ‘s Hertogenbosch and Wesel by the prince’s army, uncertain mint and engraver, 1629. ORDD. CONFŒD.BELG.AVSP:PR.FRED.HENR.FORT. / SILVA_DVCIS / CAPTA. (= ’s Hertogenbosch captured by the United Netherlands and by the bravery of Prince Frederik Hendrik ) Prince Frederik, wearing full armor, on horse prancing to left before a view of ‘s Hertogenbosch with soldiers marching in the foreground. Rev. FACTVS EST YOVA REFVGIVM & ADIVTOR IN TEMPORE OPORTVNO 1629 (= God is our refuge and aid at the opportune moment ) Plan of the fortress of Wesel at the meeting of the Rhine and the Lippe, with the fields filled with marching troops and windmills, and with ships on the river. Van Loon II, p. 178. A superb example, beautifully toned and very well struck. Extremely fine. The capture of ‘s Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc), was one of Frederik Hendrik’s great victories over the Spanish during the long drawn-out struggle for Dutch independence that, in 1648, culminated in the treaties of Münster and Osnabrück, collectively known as the treaty of Westphalia, which not only recognized Dutch independence but ended the Thirty Years War. This medal is notable for its map-like bird’s-eye view of the plain around Wesel, a form of medallic art that was a Dutch specialty at this period.