Overwinning van Lodewijk Willem

About this artwork

Zilveren penning. Voorzijde: borststuk man binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: gezicht op stad Donauwerth aan Donau, op voorgrond riviergod leunend op waterkruik met kroon in handen binnen omschrift, boven opschrift; randschrift

Art Historical Context

**Overwinning van Lode Willem (Victory of Louis William)** *Georg Hautsch, 1704, struck silver medal, Ø 3.7 cm, 18.75 g* This exquisite silver medal, crafted by the skilled medalist Georg Hautsch in 1704, commemorates a pivotal military triumph. The obverse features a detailed bust of Louis William—likely Ludwig Wilhelm, Margrave of Baden-Baden, renowned Imperial commander—set within an encircling inscription that honors his valor. Flipping to the reverse reveals a vivid scene of Donauwörth, a strategic Bavarian city on the Danube River, captured during the War of the Spanish Succession. In the foreground, a personified river god reclines on his urn, cradling a crown symbolizing conquest, all framed by inscriptions and an edge legend that further narrate the event. Struck medals like this were a hallmark of Baroque-era Europe, serving as portable propaganda and personal mementos of glory. Hautsch's precise metalworking captures fine details—the city's skyline, flowing waters, and allegorical figures—in a compact 3.7 cm diameter, showcasing the era's mastery of engraving and striking techniques for mass production. Weighing just 18.75 grams, it was likely distributed to celebrate the 1704 Siege of Donauwörth, where Allied forces under Marlborough and Prince Eugene broke Bavarian resistance, shifting the war's momentum. Today, this piece offers a tangible glimpse into 18th-century martial pride and artistry, blending historical record with symbolic depth for admirers of numismatic treasures.