Herdenking van de nederlaag van Bossu op de Zuiderzee Possibly 1620

This silver medal, commemorating the defeat of Bossu on the Zuiderzee, was made in 1611 by Jacob Uyttenwael. Silver’s inherent qualities – its sheen, its durability, and of course its monetary value – made it the perfect material for this commemorative object. The medal was likely made using a die-striking process, where the design is engraved into steel dies and then pressed onto the silver blank. This would have required a skilled hand, capable of precise detailing. Look closely, and you can see the depiction of the naval battle, rendered in miniature relief. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this medal speaks volumes about the social context of its creation. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a major economic power, and silver was a key commodity. Medals like these were not just art objects; they were also symbols of wealth, power, and national pride. It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry significant cultural weight, blurring the lines between art, craft, and currency.