Herovering van Namen door Willem III

About this artwork

diameter 4.9 cm x weight 44.5 gr

Art Historical Context

**Herovering van Namen door Willem III** (Recapture of Namur by III) is a finely crafted commemorative medal struck by Philipp Heinrich Müller in 1695. Measuring just 4.9 cm in diameter and weighing 44.5 grams, this small metalwork exemplifies the artistry of 17th-century medal-making. Müller's use of the striking technique—pressing a design into metal using engraved dies—allowed for intricate details and high relief, capturing pivotal historical moments in portable, durable form. The medal celebrates a triumphant episode from the Nine Years' War (1688–1697), when William III, stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and King of England, led Allied forces to recapture the fortress city of Namur from French control in September 1692. This victory over Louis XIV's armies boosted morale for the Grand Alliance and symbolized resistance against French expansionism in the Low Countries. As both propaganda and portable art, such medals were prized by elites and collectors, blending technical precision with political symbolism. Müller's work reflects the era's growing mastery of numismatic art, where history was immortalized in gleaming bronze or silver, inviting viewers to ponder the drama of 17th-century Europe.