Uittocht der Salzburger emigranten

About this artwork

diameter 2.8 cm x weight 5.41 gr

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite medal *Uittocht derzburger emigranten*Exodus of the Salzburg Em), crafted in 1732 by Danielismund Dockler (), a skilled metalworker of the era. Measuring just 2.8 cm in diameter and weighing 5.41 grams, this petite struck medal captures a pivotal moment in European religious history with remarkable precision. Struck medals like this one were prized in the 18th century for their ability to condense grand narratives into intimate, portable artworks, blending artistry with propaganda. The design commemorates the dramatic expulsion of around 20,000 Lutheran Protestants from Salzburg, Austria, in 1731–32, ordered by Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian amid intensifying Catholic-Protestant tensions. These "Salzburger emigranten" endured a perilous 1,200-kilometer trek to Prussia, where King Frederick William I offered them refuge and land. Dockler's medal immortalizes their exodus, likely portraying weary migrants or symbolic motifs of faith and perseverance, serving as both a historical record and a badge of solidarity for the diaspora. Artistically, the striking technique—hammering a hardened steel die against a soft metal blank—allowed for fine details and high relief, hallmarks of Baroque-era numismatics. This method ensured durability and mass production potential, making such medals tokens of remembrance circulated among supporters. Today, it whispers of resilience amid persecution, inviting us to reflect on migration's timeless human story.