Johan van der Does, heer van Noordwijk, bevelhebber te Leiden tijdens het beleg Possibly 1600 - 1714

This silver medal portraying Johan van der Does was made anonymously, and its intimate scale invites close examination. The medal was likely made using a combination of techniques, including casting, chasing, and engraving. What makes it so compelling is the detail achieved in such a small format. Notice the texture of Van der Does' clothing, the minute rendering of his facial features, and the lettering around the perimeter of the medal. The reverse shows a book and sword laid out on a draped table, emphasizing the sitter's qualities as both a scholar and military commander. The production of such a medal would have required a high degree of skill and precision, indicating that the artist was a master of their craft. While medals like this were often produced to commemorate important events or figures, this piece does more than that: it highlights the relationship between craftsmanship, artistry, and the historical context in which it was made, challenging the traditional separation of art and craft.