Inname van Casale door de hertog van Savoye

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Inname van Casale door hertog van Sav** (1695) is a finely crafted struck medal by the German medalist Philipp Heinrich Müller, a pivotal military moment in late 17th-century Europe. Measuring just 4.4 cm in diameter and weighing 29.49 grams, small yet impactful piece commemorates the entry or capture of the fortified city of Casale Monfer by Victor Amadeus II, Duke Savoy. Produced amid the turbulent Nine Years' War (1688–1697), it served as propaganda, glorifying Savoy's ambitions against French influence in northern Italy. Müller's work exemplifies the Baroque era's medal art, where striking—a metalworking technique involving dies to press intricate designs into metal—allowed for sharp details, high relief, and multiple impressions. These portable tokens were ideal for distribution among allies and collectors, blending portraiture with historical narrative to immortalize rulers' triumphs. The medal's obverse likely features the duke, while the reverse depicts the event, capturing the era's blend of artistry and politics. Generously donated by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to ponder how tiny objects amplified royal power. A gem for numismatists and history buffs alike! (198 words)