Slag bij Lowestoft tussen luitenant-admiraal van Wassenaar Obdam en de Engelsen onder de hertog van York

About this artwork

diameter 5,6 cm x gewicht 69,38 gr

Art Historical Context

This exquisite struck medal, crafted by renowned Dutch engraver Jean Rottiers in 1665, commemorates the dramatic Battle of Lowestoft during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. obverse likely depicts Lieutenant-Admiral Jacob van Wassenaar Obdam commander of the Dutch fleet,ashing with the English forces led by James, Duke of York. Fought on June 3 the Suffolk coast, the battle was hard-fought English victory that highlighted the rivalries fueling Europe's "Golden Age" powers. At just 5.6 cm in diameter and weighing 69.38 grams, this silver gold-alloy piece served as a portable token of national pride and propaganda. Roëttiers, part of a celebrated family of medalists who worked for the Dutch Republic, mastered the art of striking—hammering a detailed die into softened metal for sharp, high-relief designs. This Baroque-era technique allowed intricate scenes of ships in turmoil, billowing sails, and cannon fire, capturing the chaos and heroism of 17th-century sea warfare. Medals like this were prized collectibles, worn as jewelry or displayed in cabinets of curiosities, blending artistry with historical record. Today, it offers a tangible glimpse into an era of maritime supremacy, reminding us how tiny artworks preserved epic struggles for posterity.