Vrede van Rastatt

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

### Vrede van Rastatt (Peace of Rastatt) ed in 1714 by the German medallist Georg Wilhelm Vestner *Vrede van Rastatt is a finely struck medal celebrating the Peace of Rastatt, a treaty that helped end the exhausting War of the Spanish Succession Measuring just 5.4 cm in diameter weighing 57.6, this small yet weighty piece exemplifies early 18th-century metalworking techniques. Striking—where a die stamps intricate designs into softened metal—allowed Vestner to achieve sharp details and high relief, capturing the era's Baroque flair for drama and symbolism in miniature form. The Peace of Rastatt, signed on March 7, 1714, between France and the Holy Roman Empire at Rastatt Castle, marked a fragile resolution to years of European conflict over Spanish succession. Such commemorative medals were popular diplomatic gifts and collector's items, blending artistry with propaganda to immortalize peace accords. Vestner's work likely features allegorical figures or portraits emblematic of victory and harmony, reflecting the period's ornate medal tradition rooted in Renaissance precedents. Generously donated by Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this medal offers visitors a tangible link to Enlightenment-era diplomacy. Its preservation highlights the enduring cultural value of numismatic art, inviting us to ponder how tiny objects encapsulated grand historical moments.

About the Artist

Georg Wilhelm Vestner · 1677–1740

German, Schweinfurth 1677–1740 Nuremberg