European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Medal (Silver, 44mm, 38.54 g 12), on the freeing of Nijmegen from the French siege, by J. Boskam, 1702. LIBERTAS NEOMAGI INTUS ET EXTRA (= the freedom of Nijmegen from within and without ) Nijmegen, as a draped female figure wearing the Cap of Liberty and holding a book of treaties and a shield with the head of Medusa, standing facing within a palace, her head to right, trampling a serpent with her left foot; in exergue, I.B.F Rev. NUMERUM VIRTUTE RETUNDIT (= by her valor she repulses the many ) View of an artillery battery on the walls of Nijmegen with guns firing on the retreating French; in the distance, the approaching English forces; in exergue, MDCCII / I.BOSKAM. F. MI II, p. 233, 15. Van Loon IV, 354. A splendid medal, well struck and nicely toned. Virtually as struck. Nijmegen was attacked by French forces under Marshal Boufflers but was saved by the resolute actions of the city’s inhabitants. Despite their lack of training, the local people flocked to the city’s fortifications and opened fire so ferociously that the French gave way, finally retreating entirely at the approach of the Anglo-Dutch army under the command of the first Earl of Athlone (Godert de Ginkell, the Dutch Baron van Reede). Jan Boskam was an engraver from Nijmegen who was particularly active in the 17th and early 18th century, especially on behalf of William III during the wars against Louis XIV.