GERMANY, Hessen-Kassel. Wilhelm VI. 1627-1663. AR Taler (43mm, 29.34 g, 12h). Lubert Haussmann, mintmaster. Dated 1637. Crowned, rampant lion left / Willow tree being buffeted by storm and struck by lightning from the clouds, sun above inscribed “Jehovah” in Hebrew, five buildings in background. Schütz 1004; Davenport 6770. EF, toned.
Ex David Cassel Collection.
The scene of the willow tree being blown by a storm and struck by lightning is very common on the talers of Hessen-Kassel struck during the period of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). The depiction of the storm is an allegorical image intended to highlight the effect of war on Hessen-Kassel. During the Thirty Years’ War, countless militias swept through the territory, ravaging the countryside and killing a large proportion of the population. In the upper right of the scene is a shining sun representing Jehovah, perhaps a reminder of God’s presence and a hope that sunny days are ahead.
