Verovering van La Capelle

About this artwork

diameter 4.1 cm x weight 347 gr

Art Historical Context

**Verovering van La Capelle** is finely crafted struck medal by Mauger, created between1699 and 1703. Measuring just 4.1 cm in diameter and a substantial 347 grams this small yet hefty metalwork piece likely served as a commemorative token celebrating the "Conquest of Capelle"—a reference to military victories in the turbulent border regions of northern France and the Low Countries during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The timing aligns with the Nine Years' War's aftermath and the onset of the War of the Succession, eras of intense conflict involving Dutch, French, and Allied forces. Such medals were popular emblems of triumph, portable symbols of national pride distributed to soldiers, patrons, or collectors. Mauger's use of the striking technique—pressing a die into softened metal—allowed for intricate details in relief, capturing dramatic scenes of battle or surrender on a miniature scale, a hallmark of Baroque-era medal art. This artwork exemplifies the artistry of commemorative metalworking, blending historical documentation with technical precision. Its weight suggests high-quality silver or alloy, underscoring its value as both artifact and heirloom from an age of grand European rivalries.

About the Artist

Jean Mauger · 1648–1722

French, 1648–1722