Overtocht van Willem III naar Ierland

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Overtocht van Willem III Ierland** (Crossing of William III to Ireland), crafted by Dutch medalist Jan Smeltzing () in 1690, captures a pivotal moment in European history. This struck medallion commemorates William III of Orange—later King of England, Scotland, and Ireland—sailing from the Netherlands to Ireland that summer His campaign against the deposed James II culminated in the decisive Battle of the Boyne securing Protestant ascendancy and shaping British-Irish relations for centuries. Such medals were popular in the late 17th century as portable symbols of loyalty and triumph, blendin...