Relief of Barcelona and to the Conquest of Brabant

Reverse

Supplicant cities present their keys to the Duke of Marlborough on horseback in the field of battle.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
VICTORIARVM IMPETVS.
SVB DVCE MARLEBVRG . VICTORE PERPETVO . GALL . PROFLIGATIS BRABANTIA ET FLANDRIA EREPTÆ . MDCCVI.

Translation:
The impetuosity of his conquests.
Under the command of Marlborough, always victorious, Brabant and Flanders have been rescued from the defeated French, 1706.

Engraver: Georg Hautsch

Edge

Plain with inscription.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SIC SOL CRESCENTES DECEDENS DVPLICAT VMBRAS. VIRG. F. K.

Translation: Thus the setting sun lengthens the increasing shadows.

Comment

The obverse celebrates the relief of Barcelona and the flight of Philip V and his army to the French frontier, in which they scarcely paused until they reached Perpignan; and also the eclipse of the sun at the moment of their departure. The reverse alludes to the conquests of the Duke of Marlborough, of whom it has been said, that no commander displayed more promptitude and activity in prosecuting his success. The edge compares the declining power of France to the setting sun.