Commemorative medal 1624 (later work) was crafted to honor the victories off the coasts of Peru and Brazil under Prince Maurits, attributed to J. van Bylaer (cataloged as vL.155, Betts22). On the obverse, a bust of Maurits faces half to the right, encircled by a legend and decorated border adorned with connected coats of arms. The reverse side features a crowned oval coat of arms within a garter and cartouche, all encompassed by a laurel wreath. This lead cast medal measures 67 mm in diameter. The victories off the coasts of Peru and Brazil under Prince Maurits occurred in the context of the Eighty Years' War between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. This war spanned the 16th and 17th centuries and encompassed numerous military campaigns and naval battles. In the early 17th century, when Maurice of Nassau was Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, Dutch merchants and adventurers began showing increasing interest in overseas trade and colonization. Maurice was a skilled military leader, and he supported this expansion. The victories off the coasts of Peru and Brazil were part of Dutch attempts to conquer Spanish and Portuguese colonies in South America. Maurice sent fleets to these regions to open trade routes and attack Spanish ships and ports. These naval victories strengthened the Dutch position in South America and contributed to the growth of the Dutch trading empire. See photo's for your own impression.