Jan III Sobieski's Posthumous Medals

Abstract

The article titled Jan III Sobieski’s Posthumous Medals analyzes in detail three medals issued following the death of Jan III Sobieski (June 17, 1696). As the author argues, the holders of the medals, also those issued at the order of August II Wettin, commanded that the medalist subordinates respect the deceased ruler and propagate his achievements. At the same time, however, their intentions were to present themselves in the best light. As the investigation revealed, prior to the work, the creators of the medals gathered inspiration from previous graphic representations. Nevertheless, in the case of the first described medal, it is worthy remembering that the motif of the personification of Fortuna located on the reverse side of the medal was so widespread in the 17th-century iconography that no modern historian is able to identify the original source of inspiration. The front side of the medal, being a reflection of well-known patterns definitely does not inform us about anything innovative regarding the iconography of the period of interest. Quite a different situation takes place in the case of the second of medals, issued between 1696 and 1697 by an anonymous medalist. Preserved on its obverse and reverse side are visions of two electors’ swords symbolizing the constellation Enes Electorales Saxonici and the solemn coronation of August II Wettin taking place within the walls of the Wawel cathedral (September 15, 1697). Despite the fact that they were most certainly disseminated by the holders through other earlier works of art (e.g. graphics), only a few instances of varying sorts have been preserved up to this day to be found.