One of the more impressive Polish medals.
The work of Jan Höhn senior minted to commemorate the Peace of Oliva of May 3, 1660. A treaty concluded between the Republic of Poland and Sweden. Ending the Swedish Deluge, which lasted for five years.
It was signed on the grounds of the Cistercian Abbey in Oliva, which the medalist captured on the obverse of this medal.
The symbolism of the medal itself is rich, depicting a vision of the present and future. Here we see a dove carrying an olive branch (a symbol of peace) over hearts (a symbol of the parties to the conflict) and a growing, small tree. On the other side, the reverse, it is already a mature tree, in full bloom, and accompanied by a vision of a better future, as depicted by a vibrant panorama (plowmen in the fields, ships arriving at the port).
A large, impressive item with a good presence.
Very nice, cabinet-like patina. Two strikes on the rim. Relief well reflecting the craftsmanship of this Danzig medallic artist.
Obverse: growing young tree,Oliva Monastery in the background(with signature J.H) and a deserted panorama of the area. All around the inscription: PACIS OLIVENSIS ANNO MIƆCLX III MAJI AD GEDANUM IN PRUSSIA CONCLUSAE MONUMENTUM. Above, two Angels in clouds hold four hearts joined by knots; between the Angels, a flying dove holds an olive wand in its beak.
Reverse: under an overgrown olive tree a kneeling person, in the background a view of vibrant Gdansk, its surroundings, the sea full of ships (on one signature IH). In the rim the inscription: PECTORA QUO REGNUM COEUNT QUO VULNERA SECLI, EN FELIX OLEUM PACIS OLIVA DEDIT.
