Inname van Namen door de Fransen

About this artwork

diameter 7.3 cm x weight 149.84 gr

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate medal *Inname van Namen door deansen* (Capture of Namur by the French), in 1692 by Dutchaver Jan Smeltzing (I). This struck medal, a masterful example of 17th-century metalworking measures 7.3 cm in diameter and weighs a substantial 149.84 grams, suggesting a material like silver or bronze for and prestige. Smeltzing, known for his detailed commemorative works, employed the striking technique—hammering a die into a metal blank—to produce sharp, high-relief designs that captured pivotal historical moments. The medal commemorates a dramatic episode in the Nine Years' War (1688–1697), when King Louis XIV's French forces besieged and captured the fortified city of Namur in the Spanish Netherlands (modern-day Belgium) after a fierce 12-day battle. From a Dutch perspective—Smeltzing hailed from Groningen—this piece likely served as both a neutral record and a poignant reminder of shifting European power dynamics, as the Dutch Republic allied against French expansion. Artistically, such medals were prized as portable "pocket histories," blending fine craftsmanship with propaganda. Smeltzing's precision in rendering architecture, figures, and emblems underscores the era's Baroque emphasis on drama and detail, making this a tangible link to the Grand Siècle's military triumphs. A true gem for history enthusiasts!